Hey there, thanks for dropping by...

I'll be running both the Birmingham Half Marathon (Oct '08) and London Marathon (April '09) on behalf of Barnardo's and have pledged to raise a minimum of £1600.

For anyone not familiar with the charity here's a quick summary:

THE HISTORY OF BARNARDO'S... Only 150 years ago when Dr. Thomas Barnardo came to the East End of London he was shocked with what he found... Thousands of orphaned children were homeless, often forced to beg in order to stay alive and having to sleep in gutters or on the street. He dedicated his life to helping them, founding the famous Barnardo's charity brand and setting up schools and orphanages in the process. In 1870 the first shelter was opened. Later that year John Sommers, an eleven year old lad known locally as 'Carrot' had to be turned away because it was full. Two days later he died from malnutrition. From that night onwards a sign was erected on the home saying 'No destitute child EVER refused admission'. That humanitarian mindset still drives the organisation today.

WHAT THEY DO NOW... Barnardo's no longer run orphanages - the modern belief being that kids are better raised by families. They still help the same demographic though - basically kids who have been dealt a lousy hand in life - providing counselling, fostering, adoption, vocational training and disability inclusion groups. They help them indiscriminate of their race / gender / religion / previous behavioural problems and everything else which should never be relevant in a child's wellbeing.

Anything you can afford to donate will contribute towards disadvantaged kids being afforded a shot in life, and every pound will be hugely appreciated by me personally and Barnardo's.

I believe that everyone should be born into this world with at least a fighting chance. It's a sad fact that some people aren't. Barnardo's help them. You can too.

Take it easy...

DOM*

p.s. Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Barnardo's gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.