I was told by a couple of well informed individuals that I would be entering marathons soon enough after taking up the jogging baton and it seems they were correct, or at least ½ way there. Thirteen miles seems ample for any former pub sloth to attempt and so it is to Brighton I will be heading on Sunday 16 February 2014 for their half marathon.

 Many of you will have known my friend Jomps who sadly died 11 years ago. Still so sorely missed by his family and friends, it is in his name I will be undertaking this challenge. Initially a trust was set up in Jomp’s memory but it has proved to be simpler and substantially more cost effective to work alongside an organisation already established and deeply committed to helping some of the world’s most vulnerable children. Jomps’ mother, Virginia has been working closely with the Thai Children’s Trust and it is for this charity I will raise money.

 The Thai Children’s Trust provide homes, education and futures for nearly 4000 children, reaching out to thousands more through health and nutrition projects, not merely with life saving essentials but providing them with the love they have been sorely missing and ensuring these children get a chance in life.The Trust is the largest UK charity focusing on Thailand, supporting projects in Pattaya, Rayong, Nong Khai, the south and the west of Thailand.  

 

 A farm was built to support the children of Sarnelli House which offers a caring home, medical and personal support to children orphaned by HIV, many of them born HIV positive themselves.  Relationships with local schools and hospitals have been painstakingly built over the years so that the children can live as full and normal a life as possible. The farm was affectionately named ‘Jomps’ Farm’ and now they need more sponsors to ensure the children continue to get the medication they need and to pay for books and materials.

 

 This is just one of the many great projects The Thai Children’s Trust is active with. Please take a moment to check their webpage for the others and the video footage of the farm. If you knew my friend, then 03:25 will be of particular significance for you.

 

 Give whatever you can, I have not set a target yet, because I’ve never done anything like this before but I would like to think with the amount of bloody cool and caring people I know (and let’s face it, we can all spare a bit) we can do pretty bloomin well.

 

 Thanks for reading...     

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V7dee8f4wY

 http://www.thaichildrenstrust.org.uk/