Smith: "I'll challenge the Kenyans."
As most of you know, I'm built for comfort, not running - so obviously I'm an ideal candidate to run the Virgin London Marathon in April!
Working for a shipping business, I have decided to run the marathon to raise much-needed funds for the Sailors' Society. The society - a Christian, yet inter-denominational organisation - funds, amongst over things, Chaplain visits to Merchant Navy ships to offer anything from emotional support and advice to practical port information and mobile phone SIM cards.
The chances are, most of the things you've come into contact with today have been on a ship at some point. Perhaps it's shirt you're wearing, or maybe a tin of food, it could even be that the fuel you put into your car only yesterday came, in an unrefined form, on a crude tanker. In any event, without the Merchant Navy we'd be stuffed.
Months from home: Although my commute to and from work is often arduous, at least I have the luxury of going home every night. Seafarers in the Merchant Navy spent the majority of their time out of sight over the horizon and spend months away from their families - that is why the work of the Sailor's Society is crucial in showing officers and crew that they do have personal support available to them.
Just 30 GBP would cover the cost of a Chaplain's work for a week in a developing country - in this time the Chaplain would typically visit 25 ships and meet 250 seafarers. That's 250 guys who could borrow a mobile phone, find an internet connection, or just have someone other than a colleague to talk to for the first time in a long time.
Now, I know there's this little thing called the 'Credit Crunch', but if you could see your way to make a donation for this very special charity then I would be extremely grateful. And even if you've never heard of the Sailors' Society, you could at least donate safe in the knowledge that you can laugh at this fat lad attempting to haul his frame around London.
The science bit: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. 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.
Much love,
Adam x
