I am going to attempt a triathlon. I am going to be in a lot of pain and misery and you are probably going to find it amusing. 

If that isn't a good enough reason to give, because it's part of Hope and Homes for Children's Numb3rs campaign the UK government will double your sponsorship.

The money you raise will help close down orphanages and ensure children grow up in the love and protection of a family. Why do I care so much about this? Simple - Orphanages destroy children's lives.  Sound dramatic? Let me tell you about a little girl I met called Carmie.

Carmie is four. She was originally admitted to an orphanage for the sole reason she was born prematurely - as I held her hands she gently started rocking and it reminded me of when I sing 'Row the boat' with my own daughter, so I decided to give it a whirl. She started laughing and rocking harder - at the end she put her arms round me, gave me a hug and wouldn't let go.

Carmie can't speak properly - not because she was born prematurely but because no one has ever taught her.

Carmie can't walk properly - not because she was born with a disability, but because no one has ever taught her.

Carmie currently has no hope of a happy, fulfilling, independent life - not because she was born prematurely  but because there is no - one there to teach her.

It is not her premature birth that has given Carmie her learning difficulties, it is the very place that is supposed to be looking after her.

And if you were wondering why she wouldn't let go of a complete stranger - I was probably the first person to have played with her and given her a hug in months. Chances are it'll be many many more months before anyone does it again.  

To that orphanage, and the staff working inside it, Carmie is just a number – and the truth is bad things happen to children who are reduced to numbers.

You can help ensure Carmie, and thousands like her, stop being just numbers and a given the childhood they deserve. 

Please donate today, and have your donation doubled by the UK government. 

Thanks Bx