On my 80th birthday (adding to twin sister Phil's, makes a healthy 160...), rather than giving a present to me, I would like you to raise a glass and make a donation to Hope and Homes for Children, a registered charity working in 13 countries in Eastern Europe and Africa with its head office based in Wiltshire in the UK.  

The charity (click on the link for details) describes its mission as one of giving hope to the poorest children in the world – the orphaned, abandoned or vulnerable - by enabling them to grow up within the love of a family and the security of a home. The charity's vision is a World Where Every Child Feels Loved.  

This will be a birthday present that will mean so much. I'm told that donating through this site is simple and secure. The suggested sums when you click through below are FAR bigger than I had in mind (though wonderful, of course, for the charity), so PLEASE put a smaller figure in the box if that's more comfortable. Also, you might want to stay anonymous - I don't want you all competing to be over-generous.

By the way, if you're a UK taxpayer (grandchildren look away here...), an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support. And if you're viewing this page after the Big Day, it's still worth donating - the site is open till September 12.

Lots of love

Audi