Hi all,

So I've decided to take on the challenge of The London Marathon.
OMG. 

I've spread my training plan across 16 weeks, which takes me up to the Marathon day on the 23rd April. Week one consisted of three baby runs and I could barely make 30 minutes without stopping - to sum up, this really is a challenge. 

I'm really determined to get round on the 23rd and your support will really motivate me and make a difference. It will also help me get out there during those times leading up to it when there are many other things I'd rather do than run in the dark/cold/rain! 

Let me tell you how else your donation will help:

I'm running for a fantastic charity, Age International. They are a subsidiary charity of Age UK and the only charity in the UK dedicated to the needs and rights of older people in developing countries. I'm running for them because in 2012, I volunteered for New Hope Cambodia based in Siem Reap. Whilst there I was able to take part in a community day where we handed out rice bags and fish sauce to the residents of the local village Mondul Bai (pics below). Many of these residents were older people looking after grandchildren, this food would be all they ate and would last them for the month until the next community day. It was eye opening to meet these people, see their homes and see first hand the poverty that some people live in. I also saw how that bit of help made all the difference to those people.

Here are some of the great things that Age International do: 

• My favourite thing is that they help people to help themselves. They offer social pensions, community based income, food security projects, business training and business loans, which really helps to empower people and helps them support themselves and their families whilst remaining independent.

• they provided emergency relief to 85,000 older people in 11 countries, this included the Nepal earthquake, Ebola crisis and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines
• 612,000 older people in 28 countries benefited from their health and care projects
• they supported 8,367 Older People's Associations across 31 countries to help them voice their needs and demand their rights with governments and UN agencies
  

These are just a few examples but Age International's good work is endless and I'm really proud to be running for them. 

My target amount to raise is £2,000, this is a lot I know but I'm going for it. If there is anything you can spare to donate to the cause I'd be so extremely grateful. ANY amount would be amazing. 


If anyone would also like to help me fundraise let me know, I have a few ideas... :)  

Thanks so much,
Mel 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.