IT all began with Sunny Smiles back when I was a nipper.

It used to be big back in the Sixties, along with the Tufty Club.

It was the first time I had raised money for charity and I think I was about six at the time.

Then there was Bob-a-Job as a Cub. Foolishly, I thought I would go to the big, posh house nearby as they would give me more money.

No, they gave you the same as everyone else and expected you to work about five times as hard.

I spent an afternoon polishing silver cutlery in humid conditions and if there was a blemish on any utensil, I wouldn’t get a penny.

Then at the age of about nine I volunteered to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. It wasn’t as big back then as it is now, which is curious. Perhaps memories were so raw, people were trying to forget.

But I remember knocking on a neighbour’s door. She was so glad to see me and gave me as much as she could. She told me her brother had died aged 19 in the war. She had tears in her eyes as she recounted his memory. It’s stayed with me till this day.

Then there were numerous sponsored events over the years and fast forward to the present day.

In just over a week’s time, I along with tens of thousands of other runners will be taking part in the London Marathon – one of the biggest fundraising days of the year.

Strangely, the need to raise money for charity appears to have grown over the years rather than diminished, despite the UK being one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

Could this be successive governments pouring money into more flamboyant projects that don’t necessarily work?

Regardless, there are so many fantastic causes to run for.

After undergoing successful detached retina surgery on both eyes – thank you RBH – I raised funds for RNIB and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

I’ve also raised funds for Cancer Research and a local charity that needs more publicity, Help and Care.

But next Sunday I will be running for Arthritis Research, as it is a cause close to my heart.

Although I have run in 70mph winds, through hailstorms and driving rain, it is nothing compared to the sacrifices of most of the runners who will be competing on the big day.

Some have got home late at night after a stressful working day and gone out for a run, rather than sit at home indulging in a glass of wine and a box of chocolates.

Then there’s those who have got up extra early in the winter months with ice on the pavements to run before work, rather than reaching over and stopping the alarm and having a lie-in.

For many, just being on the start line is a huge achievement.

The other day I glanced at a few of the inspiring stories behind some of the people taking part.

If their accounts of overcoming extreme adversity don’t bring a lump to your throat, then you haven’t a heart.

The 26 miles are going to be tough and arduous. Despite the marvellous crowds cheering

you on, I know I will probably suffer in the latter stages. But knowing that others have

battled through worse will hopefully spur me on to the finishing line.

And then it’s onwards and upwards and planning the next charity venture.