Child of Hope Uganda, a charitable foundation which offers safety, hope, education and protection to children in Eastern Uganda who have lost their homes, been abused, orphaned due to AIDS/HIV and those living in abject poverty. (www.childofhopeuganda.org)

 

Moses and Bex, the founders and operators of the school came to stay with Angela and me last year and we were really impressed by their heartfelt dedication to the children of the Namatala slum and their families. 

 

The organisation has been hit by the global recession, with contributions from regular donors falling as rich countries tighten their belts, so donations such as the one I hope you will make today are more important than ever.

As an added bonus, thanks to CoH's effective cost management and use of volunteers in the UK, with Gift Aid over 100% of your donation will benefit the children directly. The funds are transferred directly to the School from UK based trustees, so none of the funds are in danger of being siphoned off by national or local government officials.

For some guidance on how your donation can help:

- £5 provides a daily school meal for 25 children for one month

- £10 pays for one child to attend the school for one month

- £25 provides a grant to a family, helping them to start their own business and lifting them out of crisis

- £70 (approx) pays the salary of a qualified primary school teacher for one month (at the current rate in Uganda).

Anything that you can spare will be greatly appreciated - in exchange, I have been hauling myself out into the streets of London since February, with the goal of setting a new Personal Best for the 10,000m, beating my previous record of 45.33 - less easy than it once was with a six month old baby in the house!