I have decided to support the Garden Route Children's Trust (GRCT) as my charity for 2019. There are two reasons for this. 

First, I'm conscious that, as Archdeacon of Surrey, I'm privileged to live and work in one of the wealthiest counties in England. There are pockets of real deprivation in the Diocese and we are very conscious of these, especially as they exist cheek by jowl with considerable privilege. Poverty is, however, relative and there are few people in Surrey who cannot get access to basic food and nutrition.

GRCT  is a charity that was founded in 2006 to alleviate poverty amongst children in South Africa through the provision of food and education. It is based in and administered from Surrey. GRCT began life by helping one school in a township near Knysna through providing a nourishing e'Pap meal (porridge) for the children and training for teachers. The Children's Feeding Project now funds an e'Pap meal for over 5,000 children. Approximately 90 volunteers give their services freely to help with distribution so that over 99% of funding goes directly to the point of need. It is incredible to think that just £25 buys a nutritious e'Pap breakfast for a child for an entire school year!

The second reason for my support of GRCT is that Ruth Burns (my Assistant in the Archdeacons' Department at Church House Guildford) has this year been appointed the new chair of trustees for GRCT. Since Ruth is such a help to me and my colleagues, it seemed a way we could support her in her work too! 

I've never run in an event like this before. My daughter thinks that I'm having a midlife crisis! Running the Surrey Half Marathon, however, seems like a great way of celebrating the blessing of this county and its people; raising some money to help GRCT, and addressing the slightly sedentary life of an Archdeacon. Any support that you can give would be much appreciated.

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.