Charles Jardine's London Marathon blog: Week 1

There are just over two months to go until the Virgin Money London Marathon on 23 April and F4S founder and director Charles Jardine has been battling the elements – and a nasty cold – in his bid to raise more than £1,000 for Fishing 4 Schools. Here's the first of his weekly catch-ups.

"I'm afraid I'm reduced to taking the dog for long walks at the moment as I have been struck down by some sort of lurgy," said Charles, who had to make a swift exit from the British Fly Fair International at the weekend as he felt so ill.

"It's a case of lots of Vitamin C and trying to keep warm. But last week Midge (my dog) and I ran 10K along the Avon to Downton and back. I've recovered but the dog's knackered!

"I've also been in the gym doing lots of cross-training. They are amazing at Downton Leisure Centre – I've been doing spin, core and a lot of everything – even aerobics.

"It was my 64th birthday at the end of January and yes, I may well be mad deciding to run the Marathon again, but the kids are definitely worth it and every penny I raise will go towards educating them in fishing.

"I have around 4,900 Facebook friends and if every one of them gave just £1 we'd be very well off. Go on, I'm sure you could spare a quid?"

You can sponsor Charles on his Just Giving page.