Gemma Newman
Gemma's Marathon for UNICEF UK
Fundraising for UNICEF UK
Story
Hi Everyone!
I am excited and petrified to announce I will be running in the London Marathon in April 2017! Why would I do this insane HUGE personal challenge, when I have done very little exercise in my life?!... An image of four year old Alan Kurdi dead on the beach broke my heart, you may have felt the same. I know a lot of people ask for sponsorship donations, but I hope it's a cause you feel you can relate to. Another shocking sight was of 5 year old Omran Daqneesh, bloody and shellshocked on an Aleppo bus. There are so many horrors that children are trying to escape from. I couldn't help thinking of my own boys and how I always want them to feel safe. As a doctor, I would have loved to go and help the injured and vulnerable directly, but as a mum of two young children I knew this was impossible. I didn't know how to help, but I did want to do something. I discovered that supporting UNICEF UK can make a difference. If you would like to find out more, here is a link to their work helping Syrian refugees:
http://www.unicef.org/appeals/files/HAC_2016_Syrian_Refugees.pdf.
If you sponsor me the great news is that only 1% goes to UNICEF's admin fees; 26% goes to fundraising, and the rest - 73% goes to the children who need it most. So by supporting me in my crazy marathon journey you will also help children from Syria. If you can donate £50 this will give life-saving food to a child for two months. Even as little as £3 can provide a life saving thermal blanket for cold weather. You can donate by text too: simply write my unique code GEMN50 followed by your donation (£5/£10/£15/£20/£25) to 70070. Do let me know if you have so I can thank you for your kindness xxx
Thank you wonderful people! 😊
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