Mark Foster's blog by Mark_Foster

Hello everyone. Another week come and gone and one which saw some extraordinary things happen for me. As usual it started with my mix of work and play. The first one was the SportsAid Ball. SportsAid is a charity very close to my heart as I was a recipient of a grant many moons ago when I was a struggling athlete wondering if I could ever make a living out of sport. In fact I was considering whether a career as a courier driver might be a better option to pay the bills. Yes they and I have been going that long. SportsAid helps the up and coming stars of the future and with the Olympics around the corner, sport is in the spotlight more than ever and if we are to support British sportsmen and women to achieve their best, a much needed source of income.

The ball took place in Battersea 'Evolution', in Battersea Park. It was also a great chance for me to catch up with loads of my friends from the world of sport, both past competitors and those who still have the ambition and drive to achieve at 2012. It is also a way to consider the future of sport in this country. I sat on the table with Comet the electrical retailers. No, I don’t get a free TV for saying that. I was there to host the table, but to be fair they ended up looking after me. As expected, it was great night for a great cause and I was not too late to bed as I had to be up early to do another talk and I really don’t function well after a few sherbets! I did have the best time with Gail Emms and Jamie Baulch, who are always up for a good time and the Comet table made for great company.

Now speaking at Chelsea FC is not what I normally do at Stamford Bridge, as I am usually there to watch football and just sit and be entertained. But this time it was my turn to entertain or at least present to PE teachers. Of all the teachers I had at school, I always loved the PE teachers. Well it was my best subject at school, in fact the only one I excelled at. But as time has gone on, I value even more what I learned in those early days. And as this is what these guys teach, I had a perfect audience. What impressed me most was how even teaching PE has not stood still over time and all these teachers are always looking for new ways to teach, engage and inspire children and athletes of the future. I wonder sometimes how many runners, swimmers, jumpers and sports people we have lost because they weren't given the opportunity in their early school years. They were a great bunch and so committed that I know that some aspiring sports stars will emerge from such dedication.

After the talk, I went to the Chelsea Sports Club and had a swim. I never miss the chance to have a dip and as it was mid afternoon, I had the pool to myself – what bliss. I was also waiting for my mate Emma Wilkinson, (who is Head of Communications at Chelsea) to finish work and go on an adventure to Westfield, the large shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush. What a splendid place it is! We didn't do much shopping, but we had loads of time to have a good catch up and grab a bite to eat at Wahaca, where they have wonderful Mexican food. Very, very good and no I don't get free meals for saying that either, but maybe I will now!

I was invited to Brent Cross to promote products at the Lloyds Pharmacy. I have been the face of 'Wellman' for nearly 10 years now and I have become part of the family at Vitabiotics. So any opportunity to help promote healthy living and I'm there and as you can see, nearly all my days are spent doing just that. I spent the morning talking to customers about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and healthy products. I probably bored them, but I think I got the message across. That was to a few customers in Brent Cross...... next stop the nation!

Last Saturday I went to Heathrow to help British Airport Authorities (BAA) recruit 1000 Volunteers to join Team Heathrow - helping deliver a winning service during test events for the 2012 games and beyond. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the Olympics and a truly special event and it won't be here for at least another generation. Team Heathrow is open to everyone, whatever your background. BAA want their volunteers to come from a range of communities; young or young at heart, sports fanatic or armchair expert. You’ll just need to be passionate, enthusiastic, a team player and keen to give your own personal best. So come on everyone get involved!

And now for my really big news! It was announced last week that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing National Tour. It came out of the blue and I am chuffed to bits. It’s been 3 years since I first graced the dance floor on Strictly. Since then it has become a huge national enterprise and the National Tour takes in about 42 dates across the UK and Ireland. I haven't danced for ages and then only at small venues, So the prospect of dancing in front of thousands of people in huge arenas such as the O2 and Wembley Arena has now filled me with a mixture of excitement and fear!. The training will start in early January and I am trying to get myself geared up to performing. Thank god I have been keeping fit!! I will be appearing with Jason Donovan, Harry Judd, Robbie Savage, Nancy Dell'Olio, Anita Dobson, and Chelsee. Hang on a minute, does that make me the stand in for Russell Grant?! They are very big shoes to fill! Have a good weekend everyone.....