'I can't run' blogs Laura, on her 10k run in May

Laura Harper is a Freedom from Torture volunteer and reluctant runner. Here she blogs in the run-up to the BUPA Great Manchester Run 2012.

I can't run. Now, that might be a defeatist way to start, but it's true. I tried it last week and got terrible heart-burn.

This hasn't always been the case though. When I was 13 years old I successfully completed the Coventry Fun Run (which incidentally, isn't much fun) and it was this, in part, that inspired me to think I should enter the BUPA Great Manchester Run on 20 May 2012.

The other, large part, that inspired me was the voluntary work I have been doing for the last five months at Freedom from Torture. It's an organisation run by scores of passionate people who assist in rebuilding the lives of individuals who have endured cruel atrocities – that I would once have perceived as unimaginable – and such horrific violations of their human rights.

I'm no better at writing that I am running, so it's probably best to look at the website for reasons why you should support Freedom from Torture. But I will add that Michael Palin CBE is a Patron, so if you donate then you'd practically be mates.

If you can't contribute pounds or pence, then maybe you could contribute your time and attend one of the local supporters meetings, learn about one of their campaigns, write for their blogs, follow them on Twitter. Or at least stand on the finishing line to greet me with a Rennie.

Times are hard, I know so I've set the fundraising target pretty low. That said, I believe that Freedom from Torture is a well-worthy cause and would love to raise as much as I can for them....I'm just saying, is all.

Wish me luck!