Please sponsor me for a 5mile obstacle race, in order to raise funds for a very special charity I had the privilege to visit during my most recent trip to Johannesburg. Through the power of social media, the Founder of Build the Future, a charity I had been following on Instagram, reached out to me & invited me to visit his container Pre School, as he had noticed my love for the country.

The Founder, Phillip Shapiro drove 45 minutes out of his way to collect me & drive me to Kya Sand - a settlement in Joburg of 35,000 people, where over 2,000 children roam the streets each day.

Phillip & his amazing team have created a safe haven for children to spend their time before they are old enough to attend primary school. This amazing team ensure these kids receive 3 healthy meals a day, alongside a safe environment for them to learn & lead happy lives. Just £22 supports a child for an entire month, where 100% of your donation goes directly to these deprived children.

As a thank you to Phillip for his selfless act, I want to show my gratitude by fundraising as much as I can, in order to help support some of the 80-100 children he is currently supporting at the Pre School. Therefore, I have decided to participate in a 5mile obstacle race in September – The Major, hosted by British Military Fitness. “Not too far” I hear you say? Well yes, I agree, but lets just call this a starting point. As Phillip taught me, you have to start somewhere, no matter how big or small it is, as long as it makes a difference, then things can grow from there. So that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Eventually I hope to contribute to the purchase of football goal posts for the local community. It is inspiring to see how happy everyone was despite having little to nothing. It’s a reminder that money doesn’t buy happiness but it can buy opportunities - something I’m hoping to achieve by raising money for these great kids & for Phillip – a man who has given everything to run this great cause.

Thanks x