In February 2010 I will be taking part in a marathon event in the Sahara!

I aim to raise money for Sandblast Arts, an amazing charity in which I have been associated with for over a year now and through whom I have visited the Refugee Camps of the Western Sahara several times. 

 It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness for the forgotten 250,000 Saharawi refugees who have lived in exile in the harsh Algerian desert since 1975.

Every penny of the money raised will go towards The Saharawi Artist Fund. This fund was created by Sandblast to finance art workshops in the refugee camps and offer the Saharawi's skills, resources and opportunities to develop and earn a livelihood through the arts.

Having lived and shared stories with families in the camps, my heart stays with them and any oppotunity to support in any way, I believe is worth every effort on my part.

Later in the year I plan to re visit the camps to train a group of young people how to create and deliver their own Issue based Forum theatre shows, which they will tour around the camps to other young refugees.

To find out more about Sandblast and the Saharawi people please visit www.sandblast-arts.org

Any amount you can spare would be really appreciated and I will do my best to keep you updated with the impact the funds raised have on the Saharawi Community in the months following my visit.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving and it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity, and please remember to add on the gift aid.