Dear friends,

Please sponsor me! In October I will be undertaking a challenging trek to Peru, climbing 4200m to Macchu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. The trek will involve getting my cuddly self out of my tent at 6am each morning and trekking for up to 12 hours a day over 5days!!!

I am undertaking this challenge as part of a fundraising venture for the Fostering Network. We are hoping to raise lots of money to help support children and young people in foster care, and to help raise the profile of this charity.

Children and young people in foster care are among the most traumatised, vulnerable and troubled young people in Britain. Thousands of children and young people are placed in foster care each year, and many will have to move foster home at least three times. The consequences of such a troubled start in life are clear: young people in care are four times more likely to have a mental health disorder and three times more likely to be convicted of an offence than other young people. 75% leave school with no qualifications and they are also more likely to abuse drugs or become homeless.

The most effective means of reversing these statistics is improving the stability and quality of foster care so that it truly addresses the needs of children and young people. We are making real progress towards achieving this, and need your help to continue doing so.

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

Thanks for all your help and support with raising money for this very worthy cause.

John Finnegan  XOX