UPDATE (31/05/2008): I finished! It took me 1 h 54 m 34 s to get round. It's not too late to sponsor me if you want to!
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Hello! :) On May 25th 2008 I’ll be running the Brussels streets to raise money for street kids.
I’ll be running the Brussels 20km in support of RETRAK’s fantastic work with street children in Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya.
If you just want to no-fuss sponsor me, just hit the button above. If you want to know more details, read on ...
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WHY AM I DOING THIS?
.... is a question I've asked myself a few times during the last few weeks of training. Seriously though, why am I actually running, and why for Retrak?
In 2006 I challenged my friend Steve to join me in running a half-marathon (in Coventry), just "for a laugh" (yes, I know, quite a lot of effort for 'a laugh'). Anyway, now Steve has challenged me back - to run this 20k (slightly less than a half marathon ... almost feels like I'm cheating!) in his new home city of Brussels. I thought I might as well run for a reason this time and make it about more than just a personal challenge. That's when I heard about Retrak and their work and feel that they're a more than worthy cause to raise a bit of money for (see below for more). If you feel able to sponsor me for a few pounds then it'd be appreciated by me, but even more so by RETRAK and the street kids of Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya.
(you can see Steve Clark-Foulquier's page here: http://www.justgiving.com/stephenclarkfoulquier)
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ABOUT RETRAK
"Most of the thousands of children on the streets in these countries (Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya) have run away from abuse and neglect at home, only to find that they are even more vulnerable to abuse on the streets. They are treated as worthless and despised by society.
RETRAK aims to help street children to get back on track; to find new lives in family and community where they can be given the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
RETRAK uses sport, feeding programmes, medical outreach to make contact with street children and to build trusting relationships. Once a relationship is built each child is helped to think through what they would like to see change and then helped to reach their goals. Some are reunited with family. Others are placed with foster families. Many are supported as they return to school or enter vocational training. Older children may even start their own businesses or attend college or university. "
You can learn more about RETRAK at www.retrak.org
There are also several excellent videos on youtube documenting RETRAK's work (just search for 'retrak')
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ABOUT JUSTGIVING
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: RETRAK 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! Many thanks for your support.
