Training for the Reading half marathon has taken a lot of determination.. running in my lunch hours and in the cold and dark after work, running instead of lie-ins at the weekend, running instead of a social life.. you get the picture! There's been many a moment of wanting to give up! But here I am with 3 weeks to go and the finish line is in sight!

I am running for the charity Asha who I worked with for several months at the end of last year. As most of you know I taught English in a slum in Delhi, where the poverty and shocking living conditions are quite overwhelming. It was however a joy to get to know some of the people who live there whose stories are so tragic; yet they are some of the most generous and hopeful people I have met. Asha are working hard to help the slum people improve their living conditions and to provide them with better health care and education. Most importantly they are bringing the people in the slum communities together by forming women's and childen's groups which have created friendships and a network of support in such a hostile environment.

I would be very grateful for any support you can give, even the smallest amount will help the slum communities a great deal. Please sponsor me! Thank you!