The global recession is hitting the poorest hardest... and every £1 given in aid is worth 25% less than it was last year. Estimations are that 46 million more people will become trapped on earnings of just $1.25/day.

In the Summer of 2007, I had the privilege of visiting Ethiopia and working with a highly successful CAFOD-funded project helping to educate and care for streetchildren in Mekele, Tigray (Read more ) . I have been a CAFOD supporter for many years volunteering on the stall at the V Festival, speaking in parishes all over Brentwood Diocese and to young people in the BCYS as well as fundraising and educating students about the work of CAFOD at St John Payne School (Chelmsford).

I have decided to get fit (a major challenge!), put myself through some pain and compete in the Great South Run on Sunday 25th October to raise funds to support CAFOD's vital work around the world. It's a 10 mile course and I am aiming for a sub-1hr 30minute time.

After my own experiences, I feel support of the Mission Societies and those who chose the Apostolic Life in incredibly poor and sometimes dangerous areas, is incredibly vital. The project I was involved with was completely dependent on CAFOD funding; it is just one such project of many thousand around the world. In the past I have done fundraising specifically for the Daughters of Charity projects in Mekele, and will continue to do this in the future with the hope I can return in the Summer of 2010. However on this occasion, I am undertaking fundraising for CAFOD's general fund which will go towards tackling poverty through work overseas in development and emergencies.

Remember, CAFOD works to end poverty and make a just world. In over 60 countries they work alongside the poor regardless of race or religion, they build global partnerships for change and campaigns for a fairer world, putting faith into action.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to CAFOD and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now, even a small donation can make a difference:

£3 - a full course of immunisation for 1 child

£7 - a school uniform

£17 - school fees, uniform and books for one child for a year