I have a pretty great life. Moving to Whitley Bay from Glasgow in 2015 was a big adventure. Getting used to working in the English school system was an adventure. Growing our family to two kids is an adventure. Recovering from life-stopping depression was an adventure. Re-adjusting my work/life balance was an adventure. Launching MoneyMax was an adventure. In the immortal words of Bilbo Baggins,

"I think I'm ready for another adventure."

I've supported the work of M10 for a few years now, but it's time to get involved on the ground. Being a teacher gives me a stupidly long summer holiday, so for 10 days in August 2019 I'll be part of a small team of leaders leading a large team of teenagers to Mexico to literally build houses for people who literally live in a rubbish tip.

I've heard so many inspiring reports from the young people who have been on this adventure in the past: how it gives them a sense of purpose beyond their comfort zone, how they understand the world better and clearer for having seen more of it. How they didn't know the size and scale and extent of world poverty until they saw it with their own eyes. The simply and profound joy of making a real difference to real people.

I want to be part of this.

Like I say, I have a great life, and I want to give something back into the world. So I'm going, but I need £2000 to get there (mostly for flights and transport and such).

To the point: please can I have some money to fund this? I'll be doing some exciting fundraising initiatives in the coming months:

- Sponsored beard removal (live on YouTube and Facebook)
- Runathon
- Pub quiz
- Talent Showcase

Plus any other excellent and lucrative ideas you might want to send my way.

Thanks for reading this and for your support. Every little helps with this, so please give whatever you can.

Peace,

Alan :)