So I'm running the 2011 London Marathon for CAFOD!  Hopefully it'll raise lots of money for the amazing work they do helping poor people in the developing world, which is a very special cause for me...

 

Back in 1967, my mum and dad met through an Oxfam event called The Hunger Game.  This led to the campaign which eventually helped persuade the world’s richest countries to sign the commitment to spend 0.7% of their national income on aid.

 

The United Nations made the 0.7% commitment forty years ago, and this year is also the fortieth year that my parents have been married.  By uncanny coincidence, ensuring rich countries keep the 0.7% promise is one of the key things I work on as part of my job as CAFOD's lead analyst on aid. 

 

Campaigning on important issues has been part of our family history, as you can see from the photos.  It was my Uncle Will who originally introduced my Dad to campaigning - and in the third photo he and Dad are talking about Oxfam's work with a Catholic Priest (far right). 

 

Back in the 1960s, my mum and dad went door-to-door, persuading dozens of ordinary people to give 1% of their income to help poor people in the developing world.  This year, I'm hoping to re-enact the challenge, and see whether my friends and family will give 0.7% of their income - whether of a month or two, or a year - to help some of the world's poorest people to transform their lives.

 

The money raised will help CAFOD continue its life-changing work to relieve poverty in developing countries.  CAFOD works in partnership with local organisations in countries around the world to support poor and vulnerable people, regardless of race or religion.  Its programmes range from helping those affected by aids and HIV, to helping children get an education, to supporting farmers whose livelihoods are affected by climate change.    

 

Whether you are able to give 0.7% of your income for the whole year, or just for a month or two, your contribution could make a huge difference.    

 

Income                0.7% of one year's income       0.7% of one month's income 

£15,000                  £105                                             £8.75 
£20,000                  £140                                             £11.67 
£25,000                  £175                                             £14.58
£35,000                  £245                                             £20.42
£45,000                  £315                                             £26.25
£60,000                  £420                                             £35.00

 

The 1960s may be history, but with the financial crisis and climate change taking the heaviest toll on the poorest - today, the issues are more pressing than ever.    

 

Please give what you can, and help make sure though these times may be difficult for all of us, they are still changing for the better.   

 

 

 

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