It was a particularly tough Thursday at work, and whilst sat daydreaming, I decided I wanted to set myself a challenge and at the same time raise some money for a fantastic charity.  I stumbled upon the Brighton Marathon 2011 website and before I let my mind tell me there was no way I could do this I was registered.  For those of you that know me, then you will acknowledge the scale of the task ahead- I have convinced myself for 28 years that I can't run 100 metres let alone a marathon!

The reality of what I have taken on is slowly sinking in, with tales of weeping men at the finish line, blisters, chafing all in abundance, yet my motivation is not waivering in fact it is spurred on by the fact that I can hopefully raise as much money as possible for Excellent Development.

I spent a considerable time in Africa working with various charities, and the one that has made a lasting impression is Excellent Development.  They work with Community Self Help Groups to improve their livelihoods health and incomes through the building of sand dams, terracing of land and planting trees.  The impact the work being done has on the communities is truly amazing, providing access to clean water all year round, and often reducing walks of up to 20km to find a source of water which frees up the time of the kids to go to school.  It also allows communities to increase their food production and sell surplus at the local markets thus giving them a much needed income  

I can honestly say that this is the embodiment of grass roots development, with money going straight to the heart of where it is needed- the communities themselves.  The money raised will make a lasting impact and assist a number of people for generations to come, and empower some of the most amazingly determined, hard working, happy people I have ever met and have the privilage to call my friends.

I could go on and on, but recommend you visit the website at www.excellentdevelopment.com for information, videos and a more detailed understanding of the work they do.  I also have a link to a video on this page and I hope you get a chance to take a look.

I appreciate times are tough and money may be tight, but if you can spare anything I guarantee it will be money well spent and you will help spur me on in the mammoth task ahead of me!

 

Thank you so much for taking a peek at this page, and hopefully the cash will start rolling in!

 

Giles

 

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