VSO has decided that I’m a suitable person to help an organisation called ISODEC in northern Ghana by working for them for 12 – 18 months as an IT manager.  Hopefully I’ll be heading out to Tamale in mid September (all being well).

 Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) is a great organisation that finds suitably qualified volunteers for charities and NGOs in developing countries who need individuals with skills that they can’t find locally.  It costs VSO about £15,000 a year to train and equip a volunteer, and it would be really great if you could help them send more people out to continue making a difference.  

If any of you want your pound of flesh I’m willing to put myself forward for a sponsored diet.  At the moment I’m a lardy 93kg (roughly 14½ stone, or about 200 pounds) and ought to be nearer 80kg.  But don’t feel that you have to sponsor me, (say £10 per kilo lost by the time I leave).  A general unlinked donation would be fine.  Please.  Please don’t force me to give up the beer and pies.

 So, reasons for giving:

 1)       It is a worthwhile cause making a real difference around the world

 2)       It is an act of solidarity with what I’m going to be doing

 3)       Any chance to get both the taxman and HSBC to stump up cash for a charity can’t be turned down

 4)       An organisation that will get me out of the country for up to 2 years should be rewarded

 5)       It is an opportunity to make me suffer

 If you want to see how the money is spent this web page will show you:

 http://www.vso.org.uk/giving/donate/yourmoney.asp

I won’t see any of the money directly myself.  I’ve already benefited from other people’s donations, any money raised goes to VSO for them to use according to their wisdom.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Update - Thank you everyone who helped me reach £1,000 - I've increased the target so that people feel can carry on giving if they want.