Caroline likes to run.  She doesn't run very often.  Neither is she very fast.  The longest she's managed is a 5K several years ago and she is about a stone heavier and several shades of unfit.

Melanie isn't a runner, but Caroline is making her run.  She is however, a a fair bit fitter so she has the distinct advantage and may just cross the finish line alive.  If she were a horse, I'd bet on her.

This challenge has two elements for us - first and foremost, we want to raise money for deaf people in the developing world.  We are raising money for Sound Seekers and it will go to local organisations within developing countries "to deliver sustainable and cost-effective projects that advance understanding of deaf people's needs and improve their access to health services, education and social support."

Sound Seekers run projects in Cameroon, The Gambia, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zambia.  

In the UK we are very fortunate to have sign language interpreters, amazing technology, good standards of education, a strong and opinionated Deaf Community, and yes, even Access to Work (which is brilliant when it works properly!!  But I'll get off my soapbox now).  We have the option to make choices, and when things go wrong, as they sometimes will, we have the knowledge, education, contacts and resources to take things further and seek resolution or make change happen.  Not everyone is as lucky as we are.

We are thankful for what we have and we'd like to give back to those who are in need of a little more support and help.

As for the second element - well, a six-pack would be nice - but let's be honest, that's not happening.  But we definitely want to increase our level of fitness and having a goal to work towards helps!

So dig deep - every pound counts - both in the charitable coffers and off our waistlines.  Thank you.  :)

For more information on Sound Seekers work, visit their website here:

http://www.sound-seekers.org.uk 

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.