<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p> <p>I'm running my first marathon in April 2011.&nbsp; I've done several 5 and 10k's over the last years, but never a marathon.&nbsp; I'm looking forward to the challenge and have been training since September 2010.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would love to raise some money for charity in the midst of all this running too.&nbsp;&nbsp; I was lucky enough to get a general intake spot (which are pretty tough to get) and so I was able to choose a charity that may not get help usually in the London Marathon.</p> <p>I have chosen <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/James-Pritchard-rainforest">Room to Read</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I initially heard about the organisation through a friend who recommended I read the book, "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World".&nbsp; Its about a man who used to work in a very prestigious position at Microsoft who left it all to help children after a trip to Nepal.&nbsp; The man started creating libraries and getting children access to books in the developing world...eventually Room to Read was founded.</p> <p>I like the organization in particular because I share the view that education is the key to changing the world, especially for young girls.&nbsp; I really like what Room to Read does for girls' education and the difference they make worldwide.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have a soft spot for books and read as much as I can.&nbsp; Books to me offer an escape and a chance for me to better myself.&nbsp;</p> <p>You can read more about Room to Read's accomplishments on their <a href="http://www.roomtoread.org/Page.aspx?pid=183">web page</a>.&nbsp; I could rave about them here, but they do a much better job of explaining what they do than I would. &nbsp;You can also check out how far the money does go to make a difference <a href="https://www.roomtoread.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=184">HERE</a>.</p> <p>This marathon is going to be a huge personal accomplishment for me.&nbsp; I was never very athletic in school and have struggled all my life with my weight.&nbsp; Combined with some pretty huge obstacles the last few years that I wont mention on this site....crossing the finish line will be pretty darn sweet.</p> <p>I would love your support in any way you can.&nbsp; The pennies DO add up.&nbsp; This is such a great cause and I would be so grateful for your donation.&nbsp;</p> <p>A few business items:</p> <p>- You can contribute from abroad...Just giving accepts mulitple currencies.<br />- If you are a UK donor and a gift aid box is available...be sure to click it. ;)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>