I am as surprised as anyone that I am doing another challenge!  However, friends and I who did this challenge last year were approached to organise one on behalf of a small charity.   Fredericks Foundation helps disadvantaged people gain independence by setting up their own business, helping them with micro finance funding and mentoring support to build their business skills. We realise that  in the current climate fundraising will be tougher than ever but in these conditions, we all want to make sure we get the maximum "value for money" even from our charitable donations... and that's why we wanted to support Fredericks Foundation. They have one of the lowest overhead rates of any charity and a phenomenal success rate. With a staff of only 17, they help start 2-3 new businesses a week. What's even more impressive is they achieve a 75-85% payback rate on their business start up loans which means not only are the businesses thriving and their owners gaining real independence after having nowhere else to turn for advice and support but  it also means that Fredericks Foundation can recycle the money to help another new business again.. and again..and again

We've recruited 20 intrepid women to join us. If you're interested in joining the challenge or you know someone who might , we still have a limited number of places left. Go to: www.namibia-desert-challenge.co.uk. for more info.

Donations are of course very welcome, but I shall be working harder at other means of fundraising so I can avoid as many direct begging letters as possible.  I am of course aware of how physically demanding this is and of course am now in a marginal state of panic at the much lower levels of training I have under taken!  I don’t think running for the train in Leeds on a weekly basis counts!  I must be mad going back to an aching body which longs for a bath and a comfy bed only to sleep in a tent and have no facilities!

Time is always hard to come by but so is money. Having started a business in the mid 1990’s, with just the money I had in my handbag, I genuinely appreciate how organisations like this can help. It is not just people to provide for themselves but also hopefully go onto provide jobs for many others. I was fortunate to be able to start up in business and to this date, I still employ some of the original staff but more importantly that small start has lead to many jobs.

Thanks so much for visiting my page and please give as much as you can afford, with the assurance that your donation will help make a real and lasting difference to the lives of disadvantaged people of all ages.

Love

Caroline

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Fredericks Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!