Hi, I'm Val Docherty, thank you for visiting my page.

You can follow my blog: upsanddownshalfathon.tumblr.com and keep up to date with my progress.

I have decided to run the Birmingham Half Marathon in aid of African Steps, who raise money for  St Peters Hospital, located on Likoma Island. The work they do directly helps 10,000 people who live on the island and the hospital also serves a further 70,000 people located in nearby countries. The money I raise here will go towards installing life-saving solar power to enable consistent electricity and lighting throughout the building, as currently, their supply is limited by the lack of transport to the island and supplies from the government. The support of African Steps is the only thing keeping the hospital open, without it, 80,000 people would be left without health care.

 

I've decided to do a half marathon to fundraise because there are very few ways in which I can get involved in fundraising due to my limitations. Those of you who know me know that I have bipolar disorder which affects every aspect of my life and because of this everyday tasks are a challenge to me. A half marathon presents unique difficulties for me to overcome, eventhough I am physically able to train to complete a half marathon, this ability changes depending on mood. 

On Likoma Island there is no mental health provision, but at least providing for their physical needs goes some way to helping. 

Thank you for your support.