Click here - I am Blogging! walk with me on my journey to Putney   

As anyone who reads this knows, I’ve been involved with VSO for quite a few years now!  From Papua New Guinea in the Pacific, to Ghana and The Gambia on the west coast of Africa and many countries in between. Over 22 years I’ve been privileged to have seen and been involved with the very best (most of the time!) of VSO’s work and the remarkable impact our volunteers (again, most of the time!) have made in some of the poorest countries in the world.  

VSO puts people in the centre of its work and this is never more effective than when volunteers work directly with community groups supporting the most disadvantaged. There are exceptional examples of how volunteers have improved the lives of people living with HIV and AIDs - and those caring for them. Others who have enabled rural communities to have access to clean water, health services and education. The stories are endless and the continuing dedication of volunteers working with energy and expertise, is endless too. 

Much of this work is made possible by the hard work and generosity of the individuals and businesses that fundraise for us. So I thought I’d play my part and try and fundraise to get some small projects off the ground in West Africa! 

Recently there was a promotion in the VSO office encouraging everyone to walk to work for the week - I thought, hmm, why not?  Perhaps I should do it too?  Crazy as it seems, I have now embarked on a project to do just that - to walk to work from my home in Abergavenny, Wales to the VSO office in Putney.

Whilst I’m up for the challenge - something like 160 miles in 10 days - I’m not going to do it just for the hell of it.  If I’m going to put my ageing bones and muscles to the test, I’d like to see some return for the wear and tear.  My target is £3000 and I’d be grateful if you would sponsor me. I will cover all my own logistics, arrangements and costs, so that every penny I raise will go to the cause that I’ve chosen - volunteer work in West Africa.

If any of you would like to join me along the way I am very much hoping for some company.  If VSO’s work or my 'long walk to work' inspires you then why not join me for an hour or two - or even a day?  Route details to be confirmed!

I will be writing about the walk daily and posting it on a blog to keep supporters and sponsors up-to-date. 

So, there we are, support in terms of best wishes welcome - generous donations even more so!

Many thanks,

John