Summer is officially here - beers, rosé, and large inflatables feature heavily on carefully choreographed boomerangs; Wimbers is in full swing, and it’s possibly Coming Home.

Why ruin the vibe?

Well, as you ease into the evening ale and tell whoever cares to listen that “Trippier could teach Theresa a thing or two about delivering the goods”, take a moment to read why the two of us will run 260 kms over 7 days through the mountains of Lebanon in August.

That’s nearly a marathon per day on rough ground with over 5000m of ascent/descent to boot, and it could be pretty toasty too.

It will no doubt be physically and mentally taxing (the two of us haven't been in the same country for the last 3 years - such proximity will test us to the limits), but here’s why:

We are asking for your help to raise £4000 for a truly special initiative run by the Order of Malta which greatly improves the livelihoods of the disabled citizens in Lebanon. We forget how supportive our society can be, out in Lebanon the government barely recognise the disabled as citizens, and healthcare, welfare and daily support are practically non-existent.

The Order of Malta runs over 25 holiday camps annually in Lebanon, predominantly from the volunteer-run house, Chabrouh. They take the residents of Deir el Qamar, Antelias and Deir Salib orphanages to be their guests for a week in the Lebanese Mountains, and for many this is their only time outdoors in the whole year. For the first time in their lives the guests are given one-to-one attention, compassion and time - something their brilliant carers in the orphanages are simply not in a position to provide.

It’s a project that’s close to our hearts and one that Pete and many of our family and friends have visited, assisted, and helped organise over the years. Although the Order in Lebanon has many other brilliant initiatives, we intend to raise the £4000 exclusively for the running costs of the Chabrouh camps to ensure the guests have the time of their lives, and enjoy the best care and medical help possible.

Just a quick heads up on how the fund distribution will work. Since the running costs will be split between the British, German and Lebanese associations of the Order of Malta, we don't have an 'account' that Just Giving recognises for that. With this in mind, the funds will go to the British association (OMV) who will then distribute the funds equally. 

Please follow the links below to donate and find out more about the project. Across the world, the Order of Malta is dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their race or religion.

https://www.orderofmalta.int/de/2012/12/04/chabrouh-camps-for-the-disabled-lebanon/

https://www.facebook.com/Running-through-Lebanon-247590532692491/