Can you help me raise funds for Home-Start Lanka through Home-Start International?  Home-Start trains and supports parent-volunteers to help other parents with at least one child under 5, who are going through a difficult patch in their lives.  The help is friendly, informal and mostly in people's homes.

I was in Sri Lanka in June to pilot training on safeguarding children.  I was hugely impressed with the work in Colombo, the leadership of Madu Dissanayake and the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers.  You can find out more about the work on http://www.homestartlanka.org.lk/    

Shortly after I came home I heard that a key funder could no longer continue its funding.  I felt very concerned and sad about this and wanted to do something personal to help Home-Start Lanka.  Then a poster for the new Royal Parks Half Marathon in London on October 12th caught my eye.  It seemed just the event that could help them. I registered. and started running.

Alll went well at first but  I may have been too keen too early and damaged a cartilage on an 8 mile run.  I am glad to say that  I am no longer limping and can now contact you in the expectation of getting round the course though I will be very slow.  The main thing though is to help Home-Start Lanka.  I very much hope many friends and family will give donations. The money raised will go a long way there and it will also show that we in the UK care about what happens to Home-Start Lanka.

If you donate through Justgiving it is  quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me.  Home-Start International, of which I am a trustee, will receive the money in the first place and can guarantee to pass it straight on to Home-Start Lanka one of the overseas schemes it supports. Using Justgiving means Home-Start International 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.

Your sponsorship would be great!    Clare Roskill