On Sunday the 9th April, I ran the 30th Paris Marathon with a school friend, Pete Knight. 

I finished the run in 3h 15 coming in at 3,823 out of the 35,000 taking part. I realise this isn't the 3 hours I had set out to achieve, and I am sorry if anyone feels misled!!  If you want the excuses, then give me a call.... 

I have decided to raise money for two causes and the money will be split between them.  The first is The Compassionate Friends, a charitable organisation providing support to parents and families after the death of a son or daughter.  It is operated by volunteers and relies heavily on public donations.  Please visit their website at www.tcf.org.uk to find out more.

Colegio Britanico Los Andes is my other choice of sponsorship.  It is a school of 250 students ranging from 4 to 13 year-olds in Machachi, Ecuador.  My brother, Jack, was working there in his gap year when he died in a climbing accident in 2004.  The headmistress hopes to expand the school to take in students who would not otherwise have the opportunity of an education.  They need your donations to make this happen.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Compassionate Friends 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.

All the money raised will go to the Compassionate Friends, who will then send me a cheque for half the amount, so that I can give this to Colegio Britanico Los Andes.

I would like to thank you for supporting me in this fund raising venture and I look forward to telling you how I got on.

With best wishes, 

Tom Salt