Your staggering generosity meant that last year we were able to send over £7,500 to some of the poorest people in the world via my friends at the Bishop Simeon Trust. This fanatastic charity operates in South Africa and gives children the education and food they crave, gives vital help and dignity to those affected by HIV AIDS and supports handicapped South Africans in an environment where the lack of welfare state means they have noone else to turn to.

So just think- because of what we did last year, there are now children going to school who would otherwise not have had the chance to control their destiny in any way. There are children orphaned by, and often infected themselves, by HIV who now have a safe place to sleep and food to eat. We may even have saved someone's life.

Although I don't expect to raise as much as last year (I'm aware I'm probably trying your patience by asking for money AGAIN!), most of you know I am passionate about this subject and it would be brilliant to be able to send them another good chunk of cash. There is so much more to do and so many people who need our help. I promise to do my bit on 13th April by running as fast as I can and hopefully breaking my personal best marathon time. It would be fantastic to have your support along the way.

Very best wishes,

Geoff