Hi all,

Thanks for taking the time to visit my fundraising page.

On April 17th 2011, I'll be running the London Marathon, my second marathon after doing Paris in 2010. My goal is to finish the race in under 3hr 30mins, however even getting to the start line relies on your generosity in helping me raise a minimum of £1300 for Seafarers UK.

Ive chosen Seafarers UK as my charity for a few reasons:

- I work in the Shipping industry so I wanted to support a worthy cause to help those in need within the industry.

- Seafarers UK is a great charity to support! They act as an umbrella organisation, donating grants to an extremely diverse range of charities, such as KIDS and the Mental Welfare Society. To see where the ££ goes, you can visit http://www.seafarers-uk.org/about-us/ and click on "Where the Money Goes".

- Seafarers UK help both serving and former seafarers (Merchany & Royal Navy, Marines, and Fishermen) and their families when they need help the most. This could be in any number of ways ranging from mental illness, cancer, serious injury, poverty, or losing a loved one at sea.

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 please dig deep and donate now!!

Thanks,
Michael

PS. In case you want further information and examples of why Seafarers UK is such a great charity to support, read below

DID YOU KNOW.....

- During 2001 and 2009 up to 50% of personnel on the ground in Afghanistan came from the Royal Navy & Marines. They experience the same traumas as their RAF and Army equivalents. Seafarers UK  support the Royal Navy & Marines in bereavement and mental illness counselling.

- Deep sea fishing is the most dangerous civilian job in the UK. Seafarers UK supports fishermen & their families in times of crisis and bereavement.

- 30% of seafarers children show complex emotional needs. Seafarers UK provides support to families & children experiencing such issues.

A REAL EXAMPLE OF HOW YOUR MONEY HELPS.....

- Kathy is a fisherman's widow. Her late husband Richard worked as a fisherman for 50 years until he retired in 1998. In their mid 60's the couple took on the responsibility of bringing up their baby granddaughter, Chloe, as her mother was not well enough to care for her. Kathy & Richard became legal guardians, however as pensioners have struggled to meet the financial demands of raising a young child.

Through the Sailors' Families' Society, one of the charities awarded grants by Seafarers UK, the family receive monthly financial support to help raise Chloe, and enjoys an annual break in a caravan owned by Sailors' Families' Society.

Unfortunately Richard became ill with cancer and died earlier this year, however with the support offered by Seafarers UK, Kathy can continue to support Chloe's needs growing up.