I'm going to be running five kilometres around Darley Park for Afghanaid.

You'll have spotted that I've chosen a venue within walking distance of our house. Well, have you seen the price of petrol?

Jokes aside, Afghanaid needs your money. It's a British charity which has worked in Afghanistan for the past 25 years supporting agriculture, education, health and women's rights.

In Badakhshan, one area where they work, a woman dies in childbirth every 28 minutes. That's the worst rate of maternal mortality ever recorded anywhere in the world.

In other provinces, girls as young as eight are being sold off in marriage to men who are often in their fifties.

Afghanaid is working to change these terrible problems so please give me some money. 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Afghanaid gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!