Thanks for taking the time to visit my new JustGiving page for the China Challenge 2010.

You may know already that Ann and I are Foster Carers and again we are raising funds for the Fostering Network, the UK's leading charity working to improve standards of care for fostered children.

Stretching 6000km in a dotted line across China, the Great Wall was begun in the 5th Century BC.  Obviously our challenging trek will not be covering the full length, nowhere near it,   but it will be varied, as we pass through woodland and terraced farmland, and follow the contours of the beautiful hills and mountains in remote areas north of Beijing.  We will follow old sections of the Great Wall, as well as restored sections with smooth flagstones and lots of big steps - make no mistake, this challenge will be physically demanding and I'll have to step up my training to be ready for it.

The plan is for me to complete the China Challenge during October 2010, trekking along a section of the Great Wall and the aim is to raise £5,290 to support the Fostering Network's work with fostered children and young people across the UK.  During 2008, with a lot of help from my sponsors, family and friends we raised £4,710 - so with our new target we aim to raise £10,000 over the two treks - a major challenge during these credit crunch times - but again, during times like this charities like the Fostering Network struggle just when more funds are actually needed to help make a difference to vulnerable children and young people. 

There are 51,000 fostered children living with 43,000 foster families on any one day in the UK. The Fostering Network estimates there is a shortage of at least 10,000 foster families.  

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading charity for all those involved in fostering, and exists to ensure that fostered children receive the highest standards of care. It has offices in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow and London. 

To make a donation or to find out more about the trek please visit http://www.justgiving.com/davemcelhoney

Many thanks for your support.

Dave

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.