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It's been 35 years since I did my last marathon, and I’m hoping you’ll help me raise some money for a very worthy cause – Saphara, which works with very disadvantaged kids in India.

As some of you will know my lifetime of sporting activities has been rather curtailed of late because of a lung-related health problem. So even though this is a “virtual marathon” this year because of the pandemic, and you just have to complete the distance in some shape or form by the end of June, this is a gigantic challenge for me. But with your help, I’m gonna do it! 

Saphara is a Northern Ireland charity, which promotes education for poor children, especially girls. It works with partners in India to help marginalized and disadvantaged children in both rural and urban contexts through education and programmes that enable the young people to overcome many of the barriers they face.

Saphara has an important NI dimension in that school children from here visit the projects in India, engaging with Indian young people from disadvantaged communities. This opportunity for young people from both sides of the community to work together and to learn from each other provides a significant cross-cultural experience that leads to respect for other cultures and religions, and ultimately respect for our differences.  

Saphara does fantastic work, both in Northern Ireland and India, so  I'm really hoping you'll support my marathon effort by digging deep and feeling the joy of parting with your cash!