I am running the Virgin Money London Marathon 2014!

On Sunday 13th April 2014 I will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon and hoping to raise lots of money for my chosen charities. I will be running with Mike Jones, my best friend from school (hopefully he'll be behind me!) and the charities that will benefit from our fund-raising are:

1. Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool:

As a visitor and a parent I have visited Alder Hey many times and absolutely appreciate how important their work is. I have always been moved by the young children who are often very poorly and fighting so hard to get better. At Alder Hey there is always so much laughter and optimism from the children and their parents and that can only be achieved by the incredible professionalism and care of all the staff. They are currently building a brand new hospital, Alder Hey in the Park and I really want to help them raise the necessary funds for this important new facility.

2. Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and the University of Manchester:

I have seen the work of the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and University of Manchester at first-hand and it is really helping to get new treatments to families with genetic eye disorders sooner. It's a cause that is very close to my heart and I hope my support will boost their quest to find more treatments for patients.

3. Prostate Cancer UK

I was lucky enough to play in some amazing stadiums during my career and it's shocking to think that 250 000 people - almost three times the capacity of Wembley - are affected by prostate cancer in the UK. A couple of years or so ago my Dad had a health scare around prostate cancer and I realised how quickly life's priorities can change. I've signed up to run the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise awareness and to help fund research into tests, treatments and causes of prostate cancer. It is a disease that has not only affected my family but so many players and fans as well so I am delighted to be able to help in some small way.

Please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/themichaelowen to make a donation.

Through this Virgin Money Giving fund-raising page you can sponsor me directly and donations will be quickly processed and passed to my chosen charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this.

I really appreciate all your support and thank you very much for any donations

For further information on my chosen charities please click on the images below:

Best wishes

Michael