I am taking on the daunting challenge of running the London Marathon this year, on behalf of Afghanaid - an extremely worthy charity. The name is farely self explanatory and I am sure you are aware of the recent events in the region that have once again highlighted the suffering that many people go through every day.

Achieving the fundraising target of £2000 is going to be a challenge in itself without thinking of the freezing cold runs between now and April! So please give generously or what you can - I know everyone will be feeling the pinch at the moment but literally 'every little helps'...

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Afghanaid 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 and I will keep you updated with any fundraising events we come up with between now and the big day!

Many thanks and Happy New Year!

£10 can buy 5 childrens literacy books / £15 provides health education for 18 children / £25 buys 10 books for a children's resource centre library / £35 secures safe drinking water for a family / £50 can educate 30 children / £90 buys stationary required to run one month training at Farmer Field Schools for 30 members / £150 can offer education facilities to 45 children / £500 builds a reservoir to provide a village with clean drinking water / £1000 enables us to construct a bridge serving 50 villages or build an irrigation canal to water the crops of one community