The run

 

I know I'm only doing a half marathon, but I think a measly 21km somehow appropriate for our straightened times. Moreover the amusement you will get from being safely tucked up in bed whilst a slightly out of shape 40 yr old gets up at 5:30 in order to slog his way round polluted Shanghai, has surely got to be worth 20 quid of your money (for the Americans amongst you, that's $30.. and rising).

However I won't 'manage down' your generosity for this great cause if you were lucky enough to receive a bonus this year, are expecting one in 2012, or are happily retired on a defined benefits pension.

If you wish to set me a target, you could request I do the run in 2 hrs 5 mins but, much in the same way that George Osborne's target for UK growth was 1.7% this year, I don't see this as remotely achievable - 2 hrs 15-20 mins is probably more on the mark.

 

If you don't have a credit card - i.e. you live in China - I'll arrange for someone to take RMB off you in cash & remit back to the UK, so no excuses.

 

The charity

 

Dandelion Time works with children and young people struggling with significant emotional and behavioural difficulties often resulting from traumatic experiences and challenging life circumstances.

 

The charity provides a restorative, developmental and therapeutic service for children and their families in a natural, nurturing environment from it’s rural farmstead location near Maidstone in Kent.

 

You can read more about how they do this on their website - http://www.dandeliontime.org.uk/12.html

 

The boilerplate

 

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. I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.