Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page everyone!

I'm new to all this and quite excited...as many of you will know, I am not that sporty.  Well, I never used to be, anyway!  Having hated the taste of salad and having completely avoided any form of physical exertion in the past, I have over the last few months embraced a fit, healthy and happy lifestyle.  I wanted to celebrate this achievement with you all by doing something I really never thought I would.  Running.  For a very long time...and a very long way!  Yes, I am attempting the Hastings Half Marathon.  It is hilly and gruelling by all accounts, so not flat plain sailing.  To reward my efforts I very much hope you will all give generously to my charity of choice.  My husband Richard was going to run with me, but alas due to lumbar objections he has had to bow out - so I am running for his charity to help him feel he is running with me!

Afrikids is a small and very well organised charity, with minimal administration costs and is unusual in that it uses the skills and expertise of local heroes and projects to enable a better way of life for the people, rather than throwing money at a problem in the hope that it will disappear.  I am raising money for Operation Mango Tree, a project whereby a local nurse, Mamma Laadi, is able to care for abandoned local children - hers is an inspiring story and if you want to know more visit the website page:

http://www.afrikids.org/main.php?menuItemId=60&option=operations&projectID=3

And now for the safety info:

''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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.''

THANK YOU SO MUCH, and wish me luck!!!!

Love,  Gemma x