Dear Friends

Please show your support to a cause that is close to my heart by sponsoring me to complete  the Blenheim Triathlon, 5 June 2010, through Tibet Relief Fund! AND BECAUSE THE BIKE ROUND AT BLENHEIM WAS A DISASTER I SIGNED UP TO HUMAN RACE'S WOMEN ONLY SPRINT TRIATHLON ON 3 JULY 2010.

In 2007 I spent some time in Nepal teaching English at a school in a Tibetan settlement. The school is Sharmey Wangphel School in Shabrubensi, which is a 10 hour chicken bus journey from Kathmandu  up the mountains in a remote part of northern Nepal.

Regardless of the politics the reality is that these kids did not choose to be born as refugees with limited opportunity and rights, and being there myself, spending time with the teachers, the cook and the kids made me want to at least do something to improve their situation. I have managed to find Tibet Relief Fund, which works with a partner in Kathmandu called Snow Lion Foundation, a supporter of this particular school, including the funding of a scant pharmacy / medical centre that my Tibetan friend Tashi currently runs.

Any amounts you can give would be gratefully received and you can be assured that the money I raise will go directly to this school and towards a vital medical grants programme for Tashi’s pharmacy. They are amongst the most generous and welcoming people I have ever encountered, despite their limited means. I cannot stress how much they are in need of donations – the walls are crumbling, the clothes the kids wear are soiled and in tatters and there are not nearly enough books to go around, not to mention the lack of permanent Tibetan teachers.

And I am actually doing a triathlon! Here are the details:

Female super-sprint; 5/6/2010; 12:40pm; (400m swim/12.9K bike/2.6K run) BLENHEIM

HUMAN RACE SPRINT WOMEN ONLY TRIATHLON AT DORNEY LAKE ETON: 400 M SWIM/ 20K BIKE/ 5 K RUN - DOING FOR THE KIDS!

So please show me support, because 5 months ago I couldn’t swim one length without my heart threatening to explode in my chest! AND I’ll be swimming in a murky lake, which I’m not looking forward to :-s

If you’d like to know more about Tibet Relief Fund: http://www.tibetrelieffund.co.uk/index.php

Thank you for taking the time to read my page  - please show support!

Love, Ruby

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