I did it! I ran the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April. I'd just like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone - you've helped raise a massive amount of money for CORD and the Back Up Trust. It was an absolutely amazing day and when the 26 miles felt a bit too far it made all the difference knowing that I had this support and sponsorship.

Here is a bit more info on the two small charities which I know will use your donations to help make a real difference..... 

My brother was recently made chief exec of CORD, so I'm supporting the work they do in Africa to help people build new lives after conflict. As a result of the genocide in Darfur thousands of children are stranded in refugee camps in Chad. CORD employs local teachers to help 35,000 children to get a primary level education - basic numeracy and literacy skills and many of the children, whose first language is Arabic, also choose to learn French and English. CORD is a Christian charity but it is not a proselytising organisation in any way. This education gives the children hope of a brighter future.

The problem is temperatures run at over 40°C in Chad and they have very few shelters to provide shade from the searing heat. I would like to raise enough money to help CORD provide a shelter and to train a new teacher:

• £230 trains a teacher to work in the camps
• £750 buys a shelter for children to study in the shade

Click here for some pics and to find out more about CORD's work in Chad

I'm also supporting The Back Up Trust, which is a wonderful charity based in Wandsworth that supports people who have a spinal cord injury. They run activities such as skiing, scuba diving and mountain climbing to encourage people to regain their independence, self-confidence and motivation following a life changing injury.

The money from this page will go to CORD but they will transfer a share of the total to the Back Up Trust as justgiving is not set up for donating to two charities.

So please sponsor me!

Julie x

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: CORD and Back Up Trust will get your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.