My association with World Vision dates back to 1990 when they received half the donations raised from a Land's End to John O'Groats bike ride! As a Milton Keynes-based charity, I was aware of them through various connections as we lived in the area at the time. I have supported them ever since as a charity focused on longer-term development issues.

In 1995, Liz and I became child sponsors; initially to a little girl in Ghana and then a boy in Ethiopia. We supported Shawule through to 2011, when he left the sponsor scheme (I'm sure he was in his mid-twenties by then!). Since last year, we have been sponsors to Rebecca and Violet, two girls in Uganda. I'm particularly excited about this; firstly due to the Uganda connection (land of my birth!), and also as they are similar ages to Lucy and Holly, and hopefully will give them an insight into African childhood. The prime effect of sponsorship is ensuring access to education and hence the potential to play a full role in society in the future.

Through the sponsored children, World Vision also undertake development projects within the wider communties of which they are a part and have a focus on ensuring community sustainability and leadership such that the charity can withdraw after 15 years.

World Vision is a Christian charity that serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God's love for people. It serves all people regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or religion.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.