Every year, more than 300,000 women worldwide die in pregnancy and childbirth - 1 such woman dies every 2 minutes. As mother is the emotional and economic lynchpin of the family, reducing these deaths can reduce the consequent poverty and disadvantage.

I have volunteered with VSO three times over the last decade, in Cambodia, South Sudan and Myanmar, helping to find sustainable ways to reduce these premature and preventable deaths of mothers. Too many people see me as giving to VSO; but my placements have actually given so much more back to me - excitement; new knowledge; challenge; new friends; insights into different cultures; new languages; a better world view; and, in April 2014, an amazing experience skiing to the North Pole. That's why I want to give something back to VSO.

VSO is an international development organisation that fights poverty through volunteering. Skilled professionals are sent to work with communities worldwide, sharing knowledge and expertise. Most importantly, change continues long after we have returned home because we leave local people empowered to lift themselves out of poverty. It is a lasting solution to fight poverty.

I’m asking you to help me. VSO can use every penny of sponsorship I can raise for them. All moneys goes to VSO, with more from Gift Aid if the donor is a UK tax payers. Through me, you can also help VSO reduce poverty.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving. Once you donate, they send your money directly to VSO. This saves time and cuts costs for VSO.