In one mad impulsive moment I put my name forward to join the Cancer Research UK charity Shine walk through London on 1st October. I have entered the half-marathon, so 13 miles of pavement plodding – but for a great cause, and I will be in great company too having joined forces with a team called Moonbeams. They include Abcodia’s CEO Julie Barnes and its Director of Science Wendy Alderton, who I work with as press consultant; hence the gentle arm twisting. In fact, I had sponsored both Julie and Wendy and later decided to join them as I was so impressed by their commitment for the cause.

They are both passionate about helping discover earlier molecular biomarkers for our common diseases cancers. Julie’s mother died young from colon cancer, while my father died of bladder cancer. It’s hard not to put your best foot forward and boost research funds, knowing that our efforts will hopefully contribute towards saving future lives, however small..

Of course, we would very much value your sponsorship, which can be made at this site; there is a team target of £2,000.

I would also appreciate any advice on long distance pavement walking. Are poles a good idea, for example? I don’t see anyone else using them in the picture, yet they were strongly advised by staff in Millets today.