As I'm sure you know, I'm not the ideal candidate for a 10k race. 6 months ago I wasn't able to run for more than a minute without collapsing in a heap for the obvious reasons that I drank too much, never did any exercise and hated running!  But then, last year whilst on holiday in Laos I spent some time with the project coordinator of COPE. Having seen first hand the inspirational work they do, I have pledged my support by signing up and training for the Manchester 10k on the 18th of May, despite the fact that I still drink too much and still hate running!

COPE is an organisation set up by Power International working with Lao staff for Lao people with disabilities. COPE provides:

• Prosthetics and mobility devices for those people who require them, free of charge if they cannot afford to pay for them.
• Training and support to local staff to provide a high quality service
• Assistance in developing longer term strategies for sustainability 

Here are some facts and figures to show you where donations to COPE could be used...

• To run the service for one year at current levels - £250,000 
• To build a new dormitory for patients to stay in - £20,000
• Oven to heat polypropylene to make artificial limbs - £4,000
• To provide a mechanical prosthetic arm - £70 
• To provide a below knee prosthesis - £25
• To treat a new born baby with club foot - £11
• To provide crutches - £3.50
• Daily food allowance for a patient receiving COPE's services - 60p

Laos is one of the world's poorest countries with a large group of people living at a subsistence level. The conflict in Vietnam spilled over into Laos in a secret war, leaving it the most heavily bombed country in the world, with over 2 tonnes of explosives dropped per man, woman and child. The war ended in 1975, but the country is still littered with unexploded ordnance, which contributes to poverty, hunger and disability on a daily basis. Remote villages, poor infrastructure and inaccessibility to medical resources mean that people with disability are a hugely disadvantaged group within an extremely poor society.

During the 9 year conflict, over £1 million was spent per day bombing Laos with devastating results. Your donation will enable COPE to continue improving the lives of disabled people who continue to live with the lasting legacy of war.

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

So please sponsor me now!

For more information about COPE you can visit their website at www.copelaos.org or even better, go out to Laos and make sure you explore the new COPE Visitor Centre in Vientiane!