On 21 April I will be running my first marathon, the London Marathon.

A mid-life crisis? Very probably. I turn 50 three days before. And my knees are certainly reminding me of my age.

But it's mainly because I have the opportunity to run for a very good cause. Refuge is a UK charity which supports survivors of domestic abuse. Every day, Refuge supports thousands of people (mainly women and children) in abusive relationships - providing a wide range of services including emergency temporary accommodation, legal help and a 24 hour helpline. One in four women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Over the last few months I have been part of Whatsapp group of people running the marathon in aid of Refuge. Many of them are themselves survivors of domestic abuse and their stories have shocked me to the core. But I have been humbled both by their courage and by the role which Refuge played in helping them reclaim their lives.

Please help me help Refuge by sponsoring my middle-aged marathon efforts.