The Challenge

The challenge is to run the Berlin Marathon on 30 September -  42km (26m) through the city of Berlin.. Now, that might not seem like a mammoth task for some of our more athletic friends and family.. but for a team of 14 athletes.. of whom 13 are first time marathon runners.. it is a task of monumental proportions!
Further, the team will be supported in Berlin by 7 fine individuals led by Mr Jury of the Southwest Harriers - and their role will be no less challenging than that of the athletes!  - They will have a ridiculously tight seconding schedule, be required to endure endless banter and massage sessions and answer to every whim of our hardened athletes!

The Cause

The HIV/Aids pandemic is a very real social crisis that is dramatically affecting the lives of millions of children across the globe, and in particular in SubSaharan Africa. An estimated 3.7 million South African children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS, 90 % of which are not HIV positive themselves. (UNAIDS 2006 Report) These are children that will need to fend for themselves and will be entirely dependent on the state unless private organizations and individuals like you and I can rise to the challenge.

The Charity

Starfish was formed by a group of friends in 2001, who wanted to make a personal difference in the battle against HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Having visited many of their support networks I can vouch for both the efficiency and effectiveness of their organisational model. They have a very integrated community approach such that the child remains within the community in an environment that is not too foreign, and in which it is sustainable to continue supporting.

In the last five years, they have made a significant impact in 65 South African communities across 8 out of 9 provinces, working through 37 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs). 18,378 children are currently benefiting from the unique Starfish model of care, with an additional 6,800 people receiving food parcels each month.

Take a look at their website – www.starfishcharity.org – they are putting up an incredible fight. Let’s stop talking and join them.

Make a very real difference… 

OK – So this is the deal. The Starfish Foundation can fully support an Aids orphan in for ₤300 a year. For ₤300 we have the ability to: Feed, clothe, educate, buy uniforms and text books and ensure a roof over a child’s head. But most importantly - we have the ability to nurture potential and give a child hope in a future that has been so cruelly altered by HIV/AIDS.

The English pound goes a very long way against the South African Rand and a donation, no matter how small, can make a difference to a child’s life –  every single penny counts!

£3        Food for a child for a month

£9        Food for an entire family for a month

£20       An emergency medical pack for a caregiver

£100      Equipment for a crèche for 50 children

£500      Educational support for 4 children for a year (school fees, uniform, books)

£1,000    Emergency food for 100 families in crisis to support them for a month.

Many thanks for your support! - Keith Comline, Mike Emmot, Ian (Shax) Caldwell, Dave Herringer, Megan Owen, Michelle Scaife, Susan Sephton, Dave Stuart-Watson, Didi Francis, Kelly Smith, Marc Jury, Pete Grey, Mark Holness, Grant (aka Twig) McDermott, Gareth Brauteseth, Ang Fivaz, Nikki (Tik) Fivaz, Monya Bassingthwaighte, Sam See, Fran Stockil, Rols Cummings..