Well what a year 2013 has been so far! 

Since writing our story below, the year had continued to throw unexpected things at us and now our daughter is expecting her first child.  This means our plans to volunteer are on hold at moment but it is still something we would like to do in the future and of course we will continue to support VSO in the work they do.

We decided to downsize this year, move to a smaller house and declutter, then I had the opportunity to take redundancy and we decided to go for it.

A number of years ago we considered volunteering with VSO but because the children were still dependent on us it wasn't the right time but with downsizing and redundancy we thought it was time to revisit the idea.

Do you know £4 will pay for a day of lifesaving work by one of VSO's skilled volunteers in Nepal. Their vital skills are shared with the local community which means their work continues long after returning home.

When we went to the VSO website we discovered there was a local 'Meet VSO' event in Lincoln so we went along and liked what we saw and heard, including a talk from a returning volunteer.  We discovered there is an active Lincolnshire group that works hard to fundraise.

Do you know £20 pays for a volunteer organic farming expert to demonstrate how to grow a kitchen garden to provide food to eat and sell.

We decided we definitely wanted to go for it and I applied to be a volunteer, with Chris being an 'accompanying partner'.  There was a robust selection process and after completing the four stages, we learnt I had been successful.

Do you know £50 can help on HIV positive woman in Mozambique to start her own business and give food, shelter and hope to her family

VSO work very hard to ensure their volunteers skills and experience are carefully matched with their partner organisations, and only go where those skills are needed.  At the moment I have not yet been offered a placement but for HR it is likely to be somewhere in Africa and I hope to have a two year placement. 

Do you know £100 pays to teach a co-operative of farmers in Nepal which crops they can farm with limited water use

It is a bit scary thinking of putting my life in England on hold for a couple of years but it will also be quite an adventure and I really believe in the work VSO do and the real difference they can make to disadvantaged people's lives.

Do you know £250 can help VSO keep a nurse in Sierra Leone for two and a half months, educating local health workers and communities to combat malnutrition, malaria and dysentery

VSO is different from most organisations that fight poverty.  Instead of sending money or food, it brings people together to share skills and knowledge and in doing so, it creates lasting change.

My fundraising will help VSO to continue the work they do and your contribution will make a difference, please donate as much as you are able and help VSO continue with their vital work.