UPDATE September 2010: I have, as you will see from the photos, managed to grow some hair. I finished my treatment in May and was flying.  Unfortunately, three weeks ago I found out the cancer is back in my armpit, so that means more chemo.  Still, I am all the more determined to carry on with this crazy plan although it may be more of a 'scouts pace' than a run.  Still, slowly and surely wins the race!!

I've not chosen a breast cancer charity because that would be too predictable. I'm starting out raising money for Building Hope -  a small charity set up by a friend of a friend, which focuses on an area in Ethiopia.  At the moment its main project is working with a community of lepers in a place called Dessie. The people there, many of whom have disabilities caused their illness, are social outcasts.  They live with their families in huts made out of all manner of makeshift materials that are not even rainproof.  There are no proper facilities for cooking or sanitation and no electricity. Local people dump their rubbish on the site and so there is also a vermin problem.    

Building Hope has been helping to fund the construction of houses in Dessie.  They are nothing glamorous and are built out of very basic materials but they are changing the lives of the most destitute families.  Some of them now even have running water and electricity and are integrating back into the wider community.   If you want more information or to check out some pictures go to www.buildinghope.co.uk.

So, dig deep in your pockets and see what you come up with.  I've included a photo of me in my full bald glory to tug at your heart strings.    My hair may have grown back since then but my arm is really quite painful so surely that merits a little extra. The lengths I will go to for cold hard cash?!

Thank-you for visiting my JustGiving page and for all of your support.  This whole episode in my life has been a bit like a race with all of my lovely friends and family cheering me along the way.  I couldn't do it without you.

Onto the official stuff ......

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