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Despite woefully inadequate preparation, I am running the Paris marathon on Sunday, April 11, 2010. If I manage to finish it will be a minor miracle, but I am going to give it my best shot. I am running to raise money from Operation Smile. Here is what Operation Smile has to say about itself

Operation Smile U.K is a leading medical services charity dedicated to providing free reconstructive surgery to children with facial disfigurements in the developing world. Each year thousands of children are born with facial deformities, with the rate of incidence in developing countries at approximately one in 500. Without appropriate medical care, these children suffer both physical and emotional trauma - many have difficulty breathing, speaking and eating. Our philosophy is simple; Change children's lives forever through a simple operation. Since 1982, Operation Smile has changed the lives of over 117,000 children and young adults suffering from facial deformities. However, at Operation Smile we do so much more than just operations - our goal is to give our local partners the sustainable foundations including all the tools and training they need to continue treating children once the Operation Smile medical team has left. To find out more, contact www.operationsmile.org.uk

My sister-in-law Fleur was born with a cleft lip. She has done volunteer work for Operation Smile and she has nothing but praise for the fantastic job that it does.

Wish me luck - I will need it!