On 27 June 2010,  I will spend the last week of our four year stint in China competing in the 4Deserts Gobi March (http://www.4deserts.com/gobimarch/). I will attempt to cover 250km or 155 miles on foot over six days across the Turpan Depression in the Gobi Desert. Temperatures are expected to exceed 45C. The fifth stage is a 90km non-stop leg, almost twice as far as I have ever run. Each competitor is required to carry their own food and equipment, around 9kg. Water is provided at checkpoints along with tents for sleeping and medical assistance. 

Every year hundreds of thousands of people all over the world are affected by disasters such as the recent devastating earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and here in China. People often lose everything and would be unable to survive without help. ShelterBox instantly responds by delivering boxes of aid. Each box supplies an extended family of up to ten people with a tent, lifesaving water filtration system, stoves, pots and pans and basic tools while they are displaced. Since 2001, ShelterBox has provided shelter, warmth and dignity following over 80 disasters, in more than 50 countries. http://www.shelterbox.org/about.php 

At a cost of £490 per box, I am aiming, through your generosity and support, to raise £4,900 to purchase ten boxes.

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.

So please dig deep and donate now.