Last November I decided to shed weight and don trainers to raise funds while marking The Esther Benjamins Trust's 10th anniversary by taking part in four 10km running events in 2009. I am aiming to raise £1 for every metre of running, giving me a fundraising target of £40,000 and prevent our important work from faltering in the face of the current economic downturn.
My first 10km event was in Hong Kong on the 8th February when I clocked a time of 58 minutes and 20 seconds, being placed 1,702 out of 35,000. I felt that wasn't bad for a dinosaur taking part in his first competitive running event. My next event was the BUPA 10km run in London on the 25th May when my time improved to 51 minutes 19 seconds. The following Sunday I took part in The Third World Run in Belfast and two records were broken - it was the hottest day of the year in Northern Ireland and a new personal best of 49 minutes 54 seconds was achieved. Now I have to aim really high for my fourth run which will be in Cranleigh, south England, on the 5th July.
I wouldn't do this if I didn't passionately believe in the impact of our work in the big picture as we take on those who traffick, exploit and abuse Nepalese children - and who thought that they could get away with it. Moreover I have seen with my own eyes the difference we have made to the lives of individual children whom I have come to know and love over the years. But don't take my word for it. Just watch Sunita speaking about what her involvement, through the Trust, in The International Award has meant to her:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MDGPIAU0FRU
Please spare a few pounds if you can at this very bleak time for the children of Nepal. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Esther Benjamins Trust gets 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.
Congratulations to sponsor Wendy Osorio who won the handmade Nepalese mosaic in our latest prize draw. We will be holding a draw for another distinctive gift, a mosaic of a Nepalese bee-eater, on the 31st July for all those who have donated on or offline by that date.
For further information please feel free to e mail me on philip.holmes@ebtrust.org.uk. If you have already donated, please send this sponsorship link to a friend with a personal recommendation.
Thanks very much and very best wishes
Philip Holmes
Founder/Director The Esther Benjamins Trust
3rd June 2009
