This is a picture of me competing in the 5k run of the relay event in one of several Norton Rose teams participating in the London Triathalon last summer. Little did I know I would be able to run 8x that far less than a year later. After many dark mornings of training and watching the sun rise gloriously over the Thames, I am ready.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. The YMCA is doing great things to empower youths to get involved in their communities. For instance, the Changing Your World programme teaches young people how to deal with issues that matter. One participant said, "We came away feeling motivated, confident and seeing our place in the world differently. It made us realise that we can all make a difference, individually, or as a team, by acting in a positive, determined way, over things that we care passionately about. We learnt that the important thing is to act and not just sit back."

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: YMCA 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.

The YMCA will use your money for the projects it feels are most in need this year. However, as an example, £15 will pay for a warm hostel room for a night for one person, £40 will pay for a half day of skills training, £100 will pay for heating for a hostel for a year.

Many thanks for your support! Cindy