For some reason (probably known only to my sub-conscious) on February 24th I will be lining up at the start of the Transgrancanaria ultramarathon - a 125km race (with a cheeky 8000m of ascent thrown in) through the mountains and valleys of Gran Canaria.

Be assured, I'd be over the moon just to make it the finish in the 30 hour time limit! Given I've barely made it over 90km before and that I've been carrying a foot injury for the last few weeks, it would be foolish (foolish!) to think I could do it in under 24 hours... :-)

So as some added impetus I thought it would be beneficial to raise some funds for worthy cause.

The Port Reitz School, in Mombasa, is a special school for physically, mentally and socially disabled children and still the only primary school of its kind in the coastal province of Kenya. The school has 305 disadvantaged students of which 184 are boarders.

Why the Port Reitz School?

Well, the school was founded in 1965 by my aunt, Margaret Beetham, who sadly passed away last year. Mama Beetham, as she was known to the staff and pupils, was the Head for a number of years and remains celebrated for the contribution and legacy she left for the children of Mombasa. No child is ever sent away, even though the school frequently has barely enough money for food, the necessary education and medical care.

The goal of The Friends of the Port Reitz School Foundation is to improve the quality of life, health and education of the children so as to give them a better future. The Foundation operates on a purely voluntary basis and support goes directly to the school and children.

So, if you are able to donate a few pounds to this worthy cause (which of course also entitles you to laugh at me suffering!) please give what you able.

Further details can be found at: http://www.portreitzschool.eu/en/

Disability is not inability.

Thank you.

Chris.
http://www.transgrancanaria.net/en/race_cat/transgc/