On 9 October I am running the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise money for the Prisoners' Education Trust. I chose this charity because I share its belief that education has the power to change the lives of people in prison. Also that all prisoners have the right to access learning, wherever they are in the country, whatever their history and background. 

I gained personal insight into the value of the work of PET while volunteering for a prisoners' rights charity a few years ago and through my own studies in Criminology.  Working with prisons across England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, it funds over 120 distance learning courses from business start-up to creative writing, GCSEs and A-levels, Open University Access modules and everything in between. It helps around 1500 people each year to start their studies, supports them to choose courses and to progress with their learning, and helps to equip them with the skills and qualifications they need to build brighter futures. 

You can read more about PET's brilliant work here: https://www.prisonerseducation.org.uk/ 

A donation of any size makes a real difference to people in prison. It can give them the opportunity to work towards their employment or development goals and gain the tools to transform their lives. 

On a personal note, it's been nearly 10 years and at least as many kilos since I last ran a half marathon so any support you can give will help me enormously as I lumber towards the finish line! 

Thank you!

Love,

Barbara x

PS: 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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.