So three things happened in June which led me to where I am now: training for my first marathon to raise money for this fantastic charity.

1. I took our two youngest children for their first Covid vaccination. We jumped on the bus and travelled a few miles to a brilliantly-run, empty vaccination centre in South London. After their jabs they were given a biscuit and a badge, and went back to school. It was incredibly easy and I took it for granted.

2. I read an article online about vaccine inequality which touched a nerve. It made me think of my kids, my wife and my parents, who are all now protected from Covid thanks to the country we happen to live in.

3. I had a drink with a colleague who told me that running the Marathon is the thing he is most proud of (and he has quite a lot to be proud of). I also saw how much he raised...

On the way back home I thought a lot about those who aren't able to access healthcare as easily as we can. So I decided to do something about it!!

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Vaccines should not be stockpiled in wealthy countries whilst poorer countries lose out. A global problem needs a global solution and Amref is doing amazing work in this area, as well as working on a wide range of projects to increase the availability of health services in Africa, for example training health workers, reducing FGM/C and promoting maternal, new-born and child health. I've worked often in South Africa and have seen how a well-organised NGO can create real change where it is most needed.

Now, as for running..... Pre-pandemic I didn't exercise at all, but like many I found that I really needed it during the nightmare of lockdown. (I'm a musician and lost all my work. It wasn't great). Now I run regularly - and the distances have been getting longer - but I never thought I'd have the confidence to sign up for a marathon. Anyway, I just have, and I'm going to give it my best shot! It's going to be a huge challenge but I'm ready.

Please spread the word and let's try to raise as much money as possible.

Tim x

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Your donations could do this:-

Responding to Covid-19

£12 will provide health workers with enough sanitizer, soap and prevention information for one month

£20 will train a frontline health worker on COVID-19

£40 will provide a laboratory with test kits

£80 will provide a health worker with training, soap and sanitizer, information material, test kits and protective equipment

Other Projects

£20 could build solar-powered wells in drought-prone areas, giving families access to safe water

£61 could improve the skills of two midwives to safely deliver babies during complicated cases of childbirth

£138 could train 12 Community Health Workers in how to prevent disease, diagnose illness and help their community access treatment

Amref Health Africa is Africa’s leading health NGO. Headquartered in
Nairobi, we partner with communities in 35 countries to sustainably
strengthen health systems and improve access to high-quality care. Our belief that health is a human right underpins everything we do.
(Image: Fatuma Asteb (c) Brian Otieno).