Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I last ran the London Marathon in 2007 when I raised over £4,300 for the Sailors Society. Since then I've been applying for a ballot place every year and this year, under the legacy rules inherited from previous LM sponsors Flora, I've managed to get in !!

You can't do something like run the London Marathon - the worlds single largest fundraising event - without contributing to all the wonderful fundraising thats going on. So thats what I've chosen to do.

The charity I'll be supporting is Shelterbox. Every year, millions of families around the world are left homeless because of natural disasters. Through no fault of their own, families lose their homes, their possessions and livelihoods and are left in the position where every day is a battle for survival.

Shelterbox responds instantly, providing families with shelter, warmth and dignity when they need it most. Each shelterbox contains a specifically designed tent and other vital equipment; blankets, water filtration kit, cooking equipment, mosquito nets, and much more.

Shelterboxes are stored in strategic locations around the world, enabling the Charity to provide aid on the ground within 48 hours worldwide. Working closely with other international aid agencies, governments and local organisations, the Charity's highly trained Shelterbox Response Teams - all volunteers - ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable families when disaster strikes, quickly when it is needed - anywhere in the world.

Started by Rotarian Tom Henderson in Helston, Cornwall 12 years ago the charity, although independent of the Rotary Organisation is still very close to many Rotarians hearts, especially in Cornwall. My club, Camelford has kindly agreed to support me in my efforts to raise funds for the charity because it does such fantastic work.

My target is ambitious, and specific. Each shelterbox costs £590. I'd really like to raise enough money for 2 boxes.

So, please give what you can. Every little counts and I'm going through a lot of painful distance training so that I finish the London Marathon on 21st April - the same day as I start it !!

More information can be found out about Shelterbox on their website or their facebook page at www.facebook.com/shelterbox. Additionally, I'll be putting details of my training and runs on my own facebook page at www.facebook.com/richard.alexander.332. You can even share the pain with me !!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure, either online or by text. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. This is really appreciated. Many thanks. Richard