After living and working in the favelas of Brazil, my friends and I have set up The Favela Foundation that will work collaboratively with grassroots organisations in Brazil to leave a sustainable legacy, and encourage progress and positive change in these challenging environments.

All of the founding trustees lived and worked in Rocinha, and have each pledged to fundraise over the next 12 months to help launch The Favela Foundation. Now stepping up to the plate, Chair of Trustees, Patrick Gibbs:

"Favelas are home to incredible communities of talented, driven, aspirational people but many don't have the opportunities to channel and nurture that enthusiasm. I have seen the amazing work of NGOs and Projects and the benefit bring to people with so much desire to learn and develop. I have committed much of the last few years trying to contribute to the positive growth in the communities that taught me so much and will forever be close to my heart. I see this as just the beginning." - Patrick.

On the 10th September Patrick will take part in one of the UK's most iconic running events: The Great North Run.

Patrick will join thousands of other runners as they set off from Newcastle city centre towards the River Tyne, and across the iconic Tyne Bridge.

This will be Patrick's FIRST half marathon and he has been training incredibly hard over the last few months as he prepares to complete the Great North Run in support of The Favela Foundation.