Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Yes, I'm running...Ali...running! The two words don't normally go together! I would have laughed if you'd told me two months ago that I could run 10km. And I haven't yet! I'm attempting it next weekend! And I'm hoping that if there's money at stake I might make it!

As a trustee of Farms for City Children, I've been charged to raise £5000 (gulp!) as part of a fundraising campaign to keep the charity alive. FFCC is extremely close to my heart and I so want it to survive and reopen once school trips become possible again.

I visited the Gloucestershire farm three times as a teacher. One of them is still the best week of my life and I truly believe that the charity's work is important.

I understand that COVID-19 may well have affected you financially too and so this won't be possible, but if you were able to contribute I would be so grateful.

FFCC gives inner-city children a taste of life in the countryside. 3000 children visit one of the three farms - in Gloucestershire, Devon and Pembrokeshire - every year. For many of them, it is the first time they experience the beauty of the countryside; animal husbandry; eating home cooked food together; and even the dark with no light pollution!

As the week progresses you see the children relax and mellow, and it is often the ones that struggle in the classroom who achieve and shine. It is amazing to see this confidence transferring back into the classroom.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.