Some time ago, I had a little windfall and wanted to donate some money to a worthy cause. I came across the Jeevika Trust online and was immediately drawn to what they were doing to help the rural poor in India, with a particular emphasis on women and girls. I feel that I want to do a bit more for them now, so am embarking on a pretty big charity challenge. I chose this challenge because I want it to be worthy of the cause but freely admit that I am little daunted by the magnitude of the task ahead.

I will be swimming and rowing 100 miles in 100 (non-consecutive) days. It is my intention to swim 50 of the 100 miles and the remaining 50 miles will be completed on my local gym's rowing machine. I really would like to have completed this challenge by the end of March but, depending on my other personal/charity commitments, it may take a little longer than that. 

I will regularly keep you up to date with my progress but would really appreciate if you could sponsor and support me as I make my through this long and difficult challenge. 

Women in India waste as much as six hours day a fetching water for drinking, cooking and cleaning. Jeevika builds wells in villages so they have safe, clean water within a few minutes reach. The money you raise can help pay for these and more: Providing rooftop WATER HARVESTING, sanitation facilities and solar-energy systems to schools, plus HAND PUMPS and TOILETS for villagers.Training women to produce ORGANIC vegetables, compost and pesticides to improve household NUTRITION.Giving school children access to SAFE WATER.