Ali Higgins does Belfast Marathon

Hi all - as a man not hitherto known for my athletic abilities it may surprise you (or have previously surprised you if you know already) to learn that I intend to run a marathon. To be exact the Belfast marathon on 3rd May. It's going to be miserable - out by the bypass, up that big hill, etc etc. All 26.2 miles of it. And it'll be raining (maybe).

I won't beat around the bush - I'm after sponsorship. After all what better way to provide some positive aspect to my midlife crisis (not to mention aching knees) than by giving me some of your hard earned cash?

All proceeds will go to a really good cause called Medic to Medic (although through the umbrella organisation IMET2000). You can read all about them here http://www.medictomedic.org.uk. If you don't have the time to peruse the website then the basic idea is similar to sponsoring a child but is aimed at medical students so that they are not forced out of their studies for financial reasons (many potential doctors in developing countries struggle to afford the training costs of around £90 per year). They do really top work and it'll probably be the best thing you spend money on for while. At least until I get around to setting up regulator to regulator and running a marathon for them. Donating is easy - just click here:

http://www.justgiving.com/Ali-Higgins

Those of you who also know other members in the mighty Team Barry will undoubtedly be relieved and delighted to hear that me running the whole thing is in conjunction with the traditional relay team effort. You may wish instead (or preferably as well as) to sponsor the team effort. All the money goes to the same place so please donate to either page with impunity - the team here is link:

http://www.justgiving.com/Team-Barry

Many thanks for your support. I know people always say this but it is a really good cause and your support really means a great deal to both me and Medic to Medic.

Thanks everyone, Ali