Thanks for visiting my fundraising page for Cancer Research UK. 

You may be shocked to read this, especially after the handsome picture linked to this page, but I am an overweight aging bloke who has to question, at this stage in his life, why on earth he would volunteer to run 10K. Well I now work for a company based out of Nottingham (Columbus IT), but I work form the Southampton office. There is a "social" event held periodically and it was some bright sparks idea (Alex) to create a bit of North/South rivalry with some "fun". Usually these social events involve lots of alcohol and to be perfectly honest I would have been much better at a contest of that sort.

Well yes it is a contest, there is a competition of North v South. The competitive edge centres upon the office with the best average time, and the office with the highest average funds raised. Now out of the 40+ staff it is them versus me. Yep you read that correctly, the head office and full staff contingent (well those that volunteered) are taking on little (well big) old me. Now as I understand it there will be some token runners helping boost the South's donation fund, and reduce the average time, but really it is just me at Bealieu on 21st September 2008 - Okay to be honest I believe Russ is joining me and he has taken the bold step of investing in some new running shoes!

This seems slightly unfair, and lets face facts, the best runners are not going to be press ganged into improving my time. No my best chance of success is clearly in the "average" funds raised, which yes, if you have stuck with me through this drivel so far, is where YOU come in. Stop throwing your money away on loose women, alcohol and fast cars, and for the single people reading this stop wasting yours on internet dating and go out and actually meet someone. No, what you should be doing is signing up to this page and giving me money. Do it NOW what are you waiting for?

Yes this does mean I have half a chance of sharing some form of prize, and am I in it for the glory? Well lets face it I am not in it for the enjoyment, so put your hand in your pocket, take out your purse or wallet and sponsor me. No, stop having second thoughts, do it NOW, it will make you feel good - oh have I mentioned it is for a good cause yet? or is this plea to much me me me?

Anyway if you are still reading this my chances of you actual sponsoring me must be pretty high, then again who actually bothers to read this far? Surely by this stage people have glazed over and either clicked away or through guilt and shame have already begun the payment process, so I could pretty well say anything I wanted here like ************************************************************************** Offensive text removed by Cancer Research UK auditors

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It?s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK gets your money faster and, if you?re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Steve