Hello!!

I'm running the 10k for Alert.  (Well when I say 'running', I mean I'm hoping I'll make it to the finish line whether I run, walk, or crawl!)  With my dodgy knees, I know it's going to hurt, so please sponsor me and help me get through the pain!!

I’m doing this run to raise money for International Alert – the charity I work for.

Last year I went to Liberia with Alert and saw the impact of their work first hand.  In a country that’s only recently come through an incredibly brutal and violent civil war – which included widespread forced conscription of child soldiers – peacebuilding is vital if communities are to heal their sufferings and build a better future.  The effects of the war could be seen everywhere we went; bullet holes left in the walls as a poignant memory of the recent violence; collapsed bridges; barbed wire; limited electricity; we even met young children selling bullet shells carved into crosses on the streets to try and make a few dollars. 

The legacy of the war is not going to disappear overnight.  International Alert acknowledges this, and knows that building peace takes time.  That is why they’ve been working in since 1993 to support the peace processes one step at a time.  One project they support focuses on the role of the media in building peace.  In particular they’ve built radio stations and trained journalists so that local people can become more vocal participants in society, and information can be shared easily.  During the war thousands of people fled to neighbouring countries to escape the violence, but after listening to the radio broadcasts they have heard of others’ positive experiences and are returning home to rebuild their lives.  This project is one of the many steps Alert is taking to help the people of Liberia to move forward.

All the money I raise will go to International Alert’s work helping countries around the world like Liberia, that have been affected by war and violent conflict. 

Please sponsor me and help International Alert to build peace.

Thanks very much for your support,

Cat