Dear friends, colleagues and generous strangers,

On January 9th 2011 I will be running the Lantau King of the Hill marathon in Hong Kong. The race distance is 30km and consists in fell, mud trails and 2km of altitude change crisscrossing Lantau Island.

http://www.dailymotion.com/playlist/xch5t_so-u_tv_king-of-the-hill/1#videoId=x3mhp2
http://www.seyonasia.com/competitions.html

I decided to use this opportunity to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity that helps people who suffer from cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease affecting tens of thousands of children in Europe. It reduces life expectancy dramatically by weakening the body and preventing normal development and so far no cure exists for it. A child born today with CF can expect a 40 year life expectancy and will need constant medication. Twenty years ago, that number would have been closer to 30. A lot of progress has been accomplished by diagnosing CF early and improving treatment of the symptoms. CF also makes a child much more prone to lung infections and can cause infertility later on.

The reason I know all of this is because my nephew suffers from it. Clément was diagnosed with CF shortly after his birth in April 2007. Thanks to all the support of people specialised in CF, you wouldn’t know he suffers from CF if you met him. He is taller than average for his age and as lively as any other kid.

All money raised will go directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Their mission is both to support research to treat and cure CF and aim to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with CF.
Around 1 in 25 people in the UK carry the faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis. It can affect anyone. Please give generously.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you.

David