As you know I've just tackled the London Triathlon...

On the day the swim start took place in the London Victoria Docks .... timed perfectly to coincide with the scorching mid day sun. After trading a variety of punches and kicks over the course of the next mile it was time for the 41 km bike - past the Dome, Docklands and onto Tower Bridge before returning for a second lap. The run gave me a chance to forget about my aching back and arms and concentrate on dragging my weary legs around the remaining 10km. As the effects of dehydration started to take hold the finish line loomed large... along with several pints of fluid!

 Over the last year and a half I've had to teach myself how to swim crawl (which isn't easy when I'd have a job floating in the Dead Sea with a buoyacy aid!) - whilst building up my endurance and recovering from a couple of "little setbacks" to compete on the bike and run in one piece for the big event!

I decided that some benefit must come from my pain, so am raising funds for The Mango Tree Orphan Support Programme which does a lot of fantastic work for HIV AIDS orphans - please follow the link to their website below to find out about them.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/themangotree/

For example £5.85 a month (£70 a year) can provide a secondary school education.

With your help more orphans can be provided with uniforms and exercise books, be put through secondary school and vocational training, get  into employment and out of danger and the suffering of the hundreds be relieved in the supported villages.

Now here's the official bit...

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Mango Tree Orphan Support Programme will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Thanks very much for your support.

Andy