I am taking part in the Atacama Crossing 2009 race starting on 29^th March 2009 and am raising money for Friends of Colombia for Social Change, a UK charity which provides shelter and homes to street-children in Bogota.

The Race:  The Atacama Crossing is a 250km self-supported race on foot through the Atacama desert in northern Chile. The race is split into 6 stages which take place over 7 days.  Each individual must carry his or her own gear, food and clothing - the only assistance provided is water, tents and medical assistance.  The course starts at an altitude of around 3,000m.  There are 4 consecutive stages of just over 40km, a very long day of nearly 75km, followed by the final 10 or so km being completed on the final 6^th stage.  The total course distance is equivalent to a horizontal crossing of Chile itself, from coast to border, and the whole race will take place at more than 1 mile above sea level.  The race has been named as the second hardest endurance race in the world by Time Magazine earlier this year (beaten by the Dakar Rally)

The Location: The Atacama desert is the driest place on earth.  It is a rainless plateau made up of salt lakes, lava flows and sand. In some places no human has ever recorded a single drop of rain and there are dry river beds that have not seen water in 120,000 years.  The day time temperatures expected may exceed 32° C (90° F) while night time temperatures may drop to below 16° C (61° F) or lower.

For those who have seen the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, much of the final drama was filmed in the Atacama desert (supposedly Bolivia), and you will have an idea of its stark beauty and isolation. One of my aims is not to end up like the villain at the end of that film, alone in the middle of the Atacama desert with only a can of motor oil to drink….

The Charity:  Money raised by me will be going towards equipment for a specific orphanage in Bogota, run by Father Ray, a priest who was very supportive of the family when my father-in-law was kidnapped by the FARC in 2005 ( see press report and a link to his book), also supported by my parents-in-law who live in Bogota.  The home, called Hogar Santa Rita, is for children who have very severe medical and cogntive problems. Most of them are unable to do anything for themseves, many have limited movement requiring a great deal of physiotherapy. The people in charge keep the children and the place very clean and cheerful, and make the life of the children in their charge immeasurably better.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Friends of Colombia for Social Aid 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!