I'm not doing a marathon or even a sponsored shot drinking challenge, I'm simply trying to raise money for Handicap International's centre in Haiti because it's my birthday (organised on the last possible minute)!
As many of you will know, I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis), which has at times left me partially sighted, unable to walk and many other nasty things. Living in the UK with a disability is hard enough, I was cursing the hours I spent this morning at the doctors, but I can't imagine living in the developing world with a disability, especially if the onset is sudden, perhaps as a result of a natural disaster. It's for that reason, I was delighted to join the board of trustees of Handicap International, the Nobel Peace Prize winning international development charity specialising in disability a few years ago. HI, like me will celebrate its 30th birthday next year!
This year, my birthday coincides with our Radio 4 appeal for our vital work providing rehabilitation care to amputees in Haiti, following the catastrophic earthquake in January 2010. It will be presented by Sir Trevor McDonald who said: "Because the journalists have all left Haiti we tend to forget that the scars of the earthquake still remain. That's why this appeal is so important."
The TV cameras may have moved on, but our teams are still in Haiti, producing and fitting artificial limbs and supporting amputees to rebuild their lives. The vital funds we raise can change the lives of disabled people in Haiti forever so now is the time to be supporting them.
I'm not asking for a lot, maybe just £1, because every penny counts!
For more information about the work of Handicap International in Haiti please click here
