Who I'm Supporting

The charity is: Medical Aid for Palestinians

https://www.map.org.uk/what-we-do/what-we-do

In Loving Memory of my father Raymond Marius André

The humanitarian crisis that is going on across the Middle East right now is tragic for everyone involved. I feel utterly devastated that so many lives are being senselessly destroyed in both Israel and Gaza and, like many of us, I dream of and pray for a ceasefire and a future of peace on both sides.

Sadly, that's unlikely to happen any time soon. The best we can do is work hard to make peace with each other and support the people who are suffering, whatever their background, race and religion.

That said, I have chosen to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians. It's a London/Palestinian based charity that provides ongoing medical and social support for communities in Palestine that are blockaded, under siege or whose funding is seriously lacking for any kind of safe infrastructure.

The Personal Bit

Everybody is deserving of aid and assistance and my decision is far from political. It is personal.

I would like to honour the memory of my beloved late father, Raymond Marius André who was born in Jerusalem in 1940 and made to leave in 1948, never to see his home or homeland again. Thankfully, his family settled safely in Jordan and are now situated internationally in safe, thriving countries. His memories live on in us and I would like to support the people of Gaza who have little in the way of consistent international assistance and backup. My father always showed compassion and understanding for people of all backgrounds, race and religion and taught me to do the same. The pointless looking back and arguing about whose fault it is doesn't help anyone, and prevents us from looking to the future and what could be possible.

What I'm Doing To Raise Money

I'm doing 100 consecutive days of Pilates workouts!!

Inspired by the 100 days of piano practice I did last year, I will be publishing my progress on my Facebook and Instagram pages each day.

I will commit to doing at least 20 minutes every day of Pilates and, where I can, I'll be using apparatus. During periods when I'm away or nowhere near apparatus, it will be mat work or using smaller equipment.

The idea is to show that commitment and consistency really does change the body, and to promote the benefits and extraordinary system that is Pilates alongside raising as much money as I can for MAP.

How You Can Help

No donation is too small and I will be incredibly grateful for anything you can give. This isn't about taking sides, it's about simply helping those in desperate need when they are unable to do anything to help themselves.

If you can't give, please share this page, like or share my stories and posts and spread the word far and wide!

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for MAP.

https://www.instagram.com/pianoandpilatesstudio/

https://www.facebook.com/PianoandPilatesStudio

#PilatesforPalestine

#100DaysofPilates

A big heart-felt thank you.

Nadine x