People might remember from my previous fundraisers below – the Suncokret (Croatian for Sunflower) Centre for Community Development and Kids Earth Fund - small grass roots children charity in Croatia

- www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/MartyRuns

- www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/runmartaay

The centre has gone through a very rough year, as has the whole of Croatia which has experienced numerous earthquakes on top of the covid! This is possibly my most important fundraiser to date which is why I have set myself the mammoth task of cycling from Belfast to Turkey

For those not familiar with the charity - The Suncokret Centre was established in response to the psycho-social needs of a post-war rural and isolated community, addressing negative psychological, social and cultural consequences of the social upheavals in the region, promoting social inclusion and improving quality of life.

In the last couple of years Maja and Starac (The charity chairs) have struggled to keep this organisation going as grants have dried up. As a result of this they themselves are no longer employed at Suncokret as any hours they commit is voluntary. Once more I want to support them as they do such great work with the children. They treat the children like their own, nurturing many from a young age and providing financial support to allow them to take part in educational after-school programmes. The Centre’s existence depends very much on grants and contributions from volunteers so I hope I am able to reach my fundraising target to help it continue to make that little difference

Starting Early May I will be taking myself, my bike and my sore arse all the way from Sunny Belfast to Rainy Croatia - going through Belgium > Netherlands > Germany> Austria > Italy on the way to Turkey. Ssoooo once more I ask you to put your hands in your pockets and dig deep for this great charity. For every £10 raised I will contribute £1 of my own money.

Follow my journey on - Facebook - www.facebook.com/marty.w.belfast

Instagram - www.instagram.com/martaaaaayy/

Thanks in advance

Marty :D :D:D