Having worked at the NHM for the past four years, I have been inspired by the enthusiasm of all who work there; my colleagues, the scientists, researchers, income fundraisers and those working at the public face of the Museum that you all know.

Our world and its growing population will continue to become more urbanised during the course of the 21st century, increasing pressure on the natural world and its finite resources. Museums and exhibitions that support an understanding of and connection to the natural world and the importance of living sustainably will therefore become more relevant. Humanity has some huge challenges ahead. These start with simple choices. We can empower through education, understanding and an increase in knowledge. The Natural History Museum has a central role in explaining those choices in an engaging way. It encourages us all to make the right decisions, to think about and change our behaviours by using one of the largest and most important Collections of Natural History in the world.

Your donation will go towards our scientific research, our learning and outreach programmes, taking this message not just around London, but throughout the UK and globally.

As a further commitment to get this message across I am hoping to take up a few days of my annual leave and volunteer to take natural history, science and the Museum's story out to my local community and my children's junior school. I have also completed and graduated from the OU in the past year with a BSc honours degree in Natural Sciences so hope to use some of this knowledge. This may be by spending time in the classrooms undertaking science workshops for years 3 to 6, or sharing the importance of the Museum's stories at an assembly - such as the story of the Blue Whale. As well as running a Marathon I hope this commitment will inspire you to donate and support me to support the NHM.

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