Hi

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, due to the conflict arising from the recent political power shift, COVID-19, and drought is truly heart-breaking. Over 10 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance and, shockingly, one in two children under the age of five are expected to be acutely malnourished in 2021. UNICEF is a great charity that I've supported for some time and they are doing really important work to protect the rights of children in Afghanistan:

https://www.unicef.org/appeals/afghanistan

Essentially, I have a marathon coming up on 10 October that I forgot about, I'm currently in the worst shape of my adult life and, as of 5 Sept, heavier than I've ever been (about 30lbs / 16kgs heavier than the last time I raced **embarrassed face**). 

Apparently five weeks is a ridiculous time-frame to try to train for a marathon so for the next 35 days I am going to literally and metaphorically run myself into the ground and follow a strict vegan, gluten free, clean eating/living diet in the hope I can make it around the course alive.  The pretty mental training plan that I've devised will involve over 300km of running, 300-400km of cycling, about 1,000 burpees and weekly ice baths along with daily mindful meditation to keep the ol' noggin in check (as the rest of the plan will likely have me at my wits' end).

I am hopeful that my self-inflicted five weeks of pain will inspire you to donate some money to a very worthwhile cause that's close to my heart. I'm also hopeful that I have inherited some of the trademark Pathan bravery and determination from Zee's side of the family that will help get me through this.

I'm under no obligation to raise any money for this race (and have never done this before) but the recent events and the ongoing crises in Afghanistan have really struck a chord with me. Thankfully I'm in a position where I may be able to do something to help and I'm hopeful that you will to. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks in advance.

Much love,
Ciarán