Dear friends,

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

I have decided to support the Peruvian charity SOS because they work with orphans in some of the poorest of Peru's cities. As you may know, I spent a month in Peru with the Sisters of St Joseph working with children, so it is a cause close to my heart. The picture opposite shows me (far left with black hat) with friends Liz, Kate and some children from an orphanage in Cenguilla, nearLima. I can not begin to describe how wonderful these children were. Despite being in desperate need of love and attention, not to mention other very basic needs, they were happy and bight eyed. Money you donate will go to children just like them.

The reason for the high level of orphans in Peru is poverty. Unemployment is very high (over 50%), wages are typically low (less than £4 per day average) and poverty reduction strategies have not had sustainable results. In many cases parents are forced to abandon children not because they do not love them but because they simply can not afford to keep them. Of the 3.8 million people living in extreme poverty, 2.1 million are children. The SOS charity helps's vulnerable children by providing homes, food, clothes, education and skills.

I am running the half marathon on the 25th May (over 13 miles) so please sponsor me and make my pain worth while!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: SOS Children's Villages will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.

Love Sal xxxxxxx