For someone who has always been pretty vocal about how much I hate running it is not surprising that people look at me with wonder when I say I have entered a marathon. Even I’m surprised since I’ve always been adamant that I have no intention of doing one! However, the “wow, you’re really going to run for 42km!” incredulous comment is always followed by “But why Sierra Leone? Is there not somewhere closer?”.

The truth of the matter is that I am not running 42km for the fun of it. In fact, if it wasn’t for a good cause I wouldn’t be running it at all!

The Sierra Leone Marathon certainly classifies in my eyes as a crazy challenge, even for seasoned marathoners. For me it certainly is, especially since I have started this journey from scratch! Over the next 6 months though I will be doing a “Couch to 42km” program which will need to involve losing at least 3 stone (yes, embarrassingly that is how overweight I am!). And if you don’t feel that is enough of a challenge, then add 30 degree heat and 90% humidity. And if that isn’t enough then add in the mosquito bites, the certainty that I will get travellers trots, the risk of cholera and Lassar Fever, the malaria tablets, and the yellow fever and rabies injections. And if that isn’t enough then I can only assume you want me dead!

I have suffered from depression on and off over the years and I have been through some pretty gloomy periods. I have always blamed events in my childhood for these feelings, yet, seeing the kids from poor communities throughout my travels, playing in the street with imaginary weapons, with no shoes on and dirty clothes I realised just how lucky I have been. Yes, my childhood was far from perfect, but I had food, I had access to clean water, I had a bed, a house, clothes, shoes, a great education and the building blocks that have allowed me to be whoever I want to be as an adult.

Many kids around the globe do not have that luxury. Many don't even have a home. Far too many children must forgo their education so they can work to contribute to the household. Food is scarce, access to clean water even rarer, and when it comes to new clothes and toys, well… they are just for the upper echelon. Yet, despite having so little, I've never seen a kid in a developing country that is moping about feeling sorry for themselves. No! They make the most of what they have and share what little they have. Never have I come across more generous communities!

I’ve always known “I want to make a difference” but it wasn’t until I got back from Cambodia that I realised what that meant. Yes, of course I want to have a positive impact on everyone, but I REALLY want to have a positive impact where it is most needed. I want to be part of the solution when it comes to eradicating world poverty. It sounds like a tall order, but I believe that my actions, when united with everyone else’s can make a significant difference in this world.

That is why I am supporting Street Child by singing up to this crazy challenge. A marathon in 30 degree heat and 90% humidity!! I must be mad! However, I know you lot like to see me suffer so I thought I best go big or go home! 

I fell in love with Street Child after pouring over their website, I loved the feel I got and all dealings I have had with them have solidified this sense. I am confident that the money I raise will be used to help the most vulnerable children across the 16 poorest countries. 

Street Child was born after Tom Dannatt (CEO and founder) travelled to Sierra Leone in 2008. He was so shocked by the poverty he encountered that he was inspired to act by pledging to find 100 street connected children (i.e. living alone, out of school and with no hope for the future) and helping them back into a family and school.

They have certainly surpassed their initial pledge and have now helped over 250,000 children get an education in some of the toughest countries in the world (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and of course Sierra Leone amongst others).  

Street Child believes (as do I) that every kid deserves an education and that achieving universal basic education is the largest step we can take in eradicating poverty globally. They provide psycho-social support, quality education and family business support whilst at the same time finding these kids a secure home, all of which ensures a much brighter future for the poorest kids of Sierra Leone.  

If you don’t think my challenge is crazy enough to be worthy of a donation then surely the work Street Child do is!

Please donate! Whether you do it because you like to see me suffer, or whether you do it because like me, you want to help give these kids an opportunity to a better life, if you can spare some money, even if it is just £1, please donate. Can you spare a coffee this week? Or would you buy me a coffee if we met up? If so, then please donate it instead and I'll put the kettle on and raise my mug to you! It will make a huge difference to someone that really needs it!

I will be blogging about my experience in Sierra Leone, however, if any of you are connected to communities or schools that you think would benefit from hearing about my experiences I am more than happy to come and give a talk to share what I learn whilst out there. This offer stands whether you donate or not. Building awareness will be the biggest driving force for change. 

Thank you, and I really do mean THANK YOU for supporting me on this cause.