Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

I am proud to be raising money for Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) by taking on the challenge of the London Marathon 2021! 

VSO is the leading international development organisation bringing about change not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers and partners to empower communities in some of the world’s poorest regions.

It's hard to believe when I started my training for the postponed 2020 London marathon back at the end of 2019 that the pandemic had yet to effect all our lives and over the last two years VSO's work has become more vital than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has affected all VSO programmes, and all the countries in which they work. The communities VSO serve are now faced with multiple challenges – from the risk of contracting the virus itself and its impact on overstretched health services, to the knock-on repercussions from containment measures on health, education and livelihoods systems. Please take the time to find out more about VSO's vital response to the pandemic via the link below.

https://www.vsointernational.org/COVID-19 

Alongside this work, VSO continues to fight poverty around the world through volunteering and sharing skills. I am fundraising in support of all VSO funded projects, which include education and care for  Rohingya refugee children, making life safer for women and girls and Sierra Leone, and increasing profits for cocoa farmers in Ghana. But these projects only provide a snapshot of VSO's work which benefits around 2 million people every year. 

By donating, you're not paying for just one placement, you are supporting all of VSO's vital work and response to the pandemic, enabling them to continue to change the world through the power of volunteering. 

I can't tell you how much your support means to me - the last year couple of years have been so tough for everyone but through it all I have kept running. Some days running has offered me escapism and a chance to get outside during the bleakest moments of various lockdowns and other days I have totally lacked motivation and it has been absolute struggle to get myself out the flat. It's truly been 'a journey' but I know totally worth it in aid of an excellent cause and I can't wait to see you all at the finish line! 

Whatever you can give will be extremely appreciated! 

Suzie