Save the UK's CharitiesGeneral fundraising has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is certainly true for Mission Direct. Having been to Zambia and Zimbabwe with them in 2018 and 2019, I've seen the power of direct connections to individuals and partners on the ground. Money really does get through, 100%. Those who have been gain a real empathy for situations and people they meet, and those visited are hugely encouraged by the interest and love they are shown.

These African countries are badly affected by lockdowns imposed because of coronavirus. Few people can go to work so, in an economy that is truly hand-to-mouth for many, they can't afford to buy food. And it's hard for growers and traders to get food to market anyway! Life is increasingly about survival. Money sent from the developed world is hugely important in these situations. Zambia Country Manager Geoff emailed (5.7.20) "Garden Hill School head teacher Samuel Walima explained last month they were able to give half pay to 4 of their 7 teachers and nothing to the remaining 3, so these donations are very timely. I'll be sending funds to Kumbaya for teachers' allowances soon. Just to let you know we've also been able to send funds to Kumbaya and Crown of Life Schools for their lunchtime feeding programme. Ketty was saying that as well as feeding the grades 7 and 9 that come for classes, they are feeding about 150 other pupils who come on the days they are serving lunch." From Zimbabwe we hear from Caiphas (18.7.20) that "hyperinflation is rendering local currency relatively worthless and the very poor are struggling to buy food (as they don't have access to $US)." Garikai (3.8.20), to whom we sent some individual cash, said "the situation at hand hasn't changed but getting worse. We have changed our meal plans such that our food bank won't run out." He supports his brothers and sisters, and gives on to his parents in Chiminimani (Zim hotspot of Cyclone Idai in 2019).

I've never been a long-distance runner and suspect my body wouldn't thank me for trying now. But I reckon I could train and walk 26.2 miles in a day, using Norfolk footpaths for most of it, in late August, by which time I'll be 75. Not quite a herculean Captain Sir Tom effort, but will you stand with me to help the poorest? Did my second 16 miles today (11.8.20); 20 next weekend! Pretty tiring but the legs are holding up. Walking footpaths is much harder work than roads. Weather permitting, "the date" is Saturday 29.8.20.

50 people willing to give £50 would get me almost over the £2620 line! At the same time, as the supermarket tells us, every little helps if £50 is too much for you.