Hello people, I hope you are all managing to keep your minds occupied and your heads up during this third lockdown, remember this is a time of great uncertainty for everyone and no one should have to suffer alone. It is essential we are looking out for those around us and those we care for, while staying strong ourselves. 

Since 2012 child poverty has been on the rise and reports from SMC and The Resolution Foundation have stated that child poverty rates are expected to increase to 5.2 million (37%) by 2022. Not only are these forecasts extremely worrying but they were also conducted before COVID-19,  knowledge about the current level of child poverty is therefore limited. However, based on a national representative household survey, well over 3 million children were in households where between 20% of earnings (the furlough rate) and 47% of earnings (the mean Universal Credit replacement rate) had been lost. Some of these children will have already been living in poverty and the effects of COVID-19 will have severely worsened their conditions. 

The current situation that our country and the rest of the world finds itself in is devastating and is hard for us all to digest. However, it is vital that we are keeping our priorities straight and focusing our energy and attention to issues that are of great importance. There is no debate that every child should have access to three substantial meals every day, No child should have to starve, No child should be deprived of a meal, No child should be deprived of a quality education, No child should be deprived of these basic amenities that have such an overwhelming effect on their future. They are experiencing the most important years of their life and they shouldn't have to go through any of it on an empty stomach, it is simply unacceptable. However,  many children are. Disadvantaged children found themselves at the heart of repeated Government scandals during the COVID-19 crisis, between the poor provision of free school meals and the poor rollout of devices for children to learn remotely in lockdown.

So in attempt to raise awareness and funds (with your help) I intend to run 5km everyday of February 2021, totalling 140km. I haven't done much running recently so this challenge shouldn't be easy, I look forward to it.

I also encourage anyone reading this, who hasn't yet already, to try to get out of the house as often as possible for some exercise, it is beneficial for both the body and the mind. Make sure to spread awareness for this cause yourself, its importance cannot be overstated.

I hope after reading this you are able to donate to the fundraiser, 100% of your donation will go to the Save the Children charity and will be used to help the lives of children who live in deprived and unfair conditions.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.