Please, please donate whatever pennies you can afford in support of my family as we “Ruck to Beirut and Back” in support of Hostage International’s Challenge For All.

• My Colombian wife, our 3-year old daughter and I will walk especially to support those thousands of Colombian victims, including all those still held in captivity today - whereabouts unknown.

• I will be walking with them very much in mind, then rucking with a 37lbs toddler on my back when her little legs give out!

We'll see how many miles we can clock up as our contribution towards covering the some 5,700 miles from Beirut and back to help mark the 30th anniversary of Hostage International’s co-founder, Terry Waite's release from captivity in Lebanon, where he was held hostage for nearly five years.

As a Case Worker for Hostage International, I can only stress the importance of their work to hostages, their families and theglobal human rights community. I ask you to dig deep and support us in this worthy, often overlooked, cause!

Mil y mil gracias.

Something that only happens to other people has just happened to us. These are the words of a dad, on hearing their son had been kidnapped throwing their family into turmoil as they navigated an alien and precarious situation. Everyone experiences a life-threatening situation at some point, but hostage-taking falls so far outside the realm of reality that families are left reeling. But thanks to your support, Hostage Internationals team of trained caseworkers, many with a personal experience of hostage-taking, can step in to provide essential practical and emotional support for families going through such unimaginable turmoil and to help hostages when they return.One former hostage said: It is frustrating because I try to explain how it feels, but people cant understand. That is where Hostage International makes a big difference. The charity highlights the effects of kidnap and offers critical support to victims and families.