Tried it again today (5th attempt) and managed just under 28mins... only another 10-15 attempts and I think I might actually complete it!
On a more positive note: I just got into a pair of 34" jeans (comfortably) for the first time in ages... and the scales reckoned I weighed 83kg (13st 1lb). Weight loss since September of 8.5kg. It's good this running malarkey!