Hello!

On 22-27 June 2008, I will be taking part in The Race Against Time. I will be cycling 874 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats in just 6 days - approx 150miles a
day. The map on the left shows where we pedal each day. The detailed route & further details of the event can be found at the following link www.theraceagainsttime.com

The training has been grueling and there have been pools of sweat, floods of tears,
a very sore backside and terrible tan lines and I still have 2 more months of training
to go. Why? I thought it was time I gave something back.
 
The Race Against Time raises funds for the Bishop Simeon Trust (BST). BST funds HIV/AIDS, development and education projects within South Africa. The Trust has been working in partnership with South African communities and making a huge difference to thousands of people since 1989. Recent work has focused on the
plight of the growing numbers of HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa. Every penny of
the funds raised through The Race Against Time goes to community HIV/AIDS projects, which are improving the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS - especially children. The costs of our cycle have been covered by corporate sponsorship.

Here are just a few alarming stats:
• One African dies of AIDS related illness every 15 seconds.
• Around a quarter of the workforce in South Africa is HIV positive.
• There are nearly half a million new HIV infections in South Africa every year.
• There are currently 2.2 million AIDS orphans in South Africa.

It really is a Race Against Time to stop the spread of HIV / AIDS.

I have promised to raise £2,000, of course it would be wonderful if we can raise more!  These are the sort of things your money will be used for….remember every penny counts!

• A standard monthly stipend for an unemployed volunteer providing care for up to 10 families - £45. Most of the people working in Home Based Care groups are volunteers – they give their time free of charge.
• An educational bursary for a preschool child - £70 /year.
• An educational bursary for a secondary school student - £125 /year. Many orphans and vulnerable children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic are unable to continue their schooling without financial support.  
• To feed 40 children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS for 1 month - £150. Pre-school is often the only place that young children affected by HIV/AIDS are able to get a decent meal.

This is my online personal sponsorship account. Donating through this site is
simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me:
Bishop Simeon Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Thank you for giving me the motivation to keep pedaling! Please feel free to forward this on to anyone you know who may want to contribute!

Erica