During Lockdown I have been doing a lot of running and I have decided to run a half marathon this weekend. I would like to raise some money for Tinga Tinga School, a school in Tanzania which my school, Prior's Field, have supported for a number of years. The nearest village to the school is four miles away so each pupil walks at least four miles to and from school each morning and afternoon. We recently raised money for new school books, sports equipment and a bowl and spoon for each pupil as well as helped with funding to ensure each pupil has a meal at school before they walk home. We are now raising money for two new classrooms at Tinga Tinga.

Only 24% of girls in Tanzania receive a secondary school education. Most girls in the country are married between the ages of 11 and 15 and many adult women cannot read or write. The World Health Organisation recognises that improving the education of girls is vital to reducing poverty, raising the infant mortality rate and improving nutrition and health.

I know there are lots of charities which need support, especially at the moment, but this is a cause I have learnt a lot about at school and would like to support, even if only in a small way. Lockdown has meant we haven't been able to do the usual fundraising events at school so I thought I would have a go at a running challenge while I am at home.