Having turned 40, I suddenly found that whenever I mention doing anything remotely exciting. The fingers get pointed and the dreaded words MIDLIFE CRISIS are whispered. My plan is to invent my own midlife crises. I want to do something so stupid that whatever I do after that would be regarded as boring.

I have done many exiting things, like Parachute Jump, Bungee, Scuba, Paragliding, etc. so adrenaline sports won’t raise an eyebrow. One thing I never did is running. I hate running. Seriously the longest distance I ever run was a 1.5mile fitness test (2.4km) I did this only twice, once in 1987 and again in 2007. I had to walk more than half of it. Also I am unfit, not the "I can’t run an iron man" unfit, no, proper unfit. I am 183cm tall (6’1”) and weigh 142kg (22.4 stone). I paraglide with a tandem wing.  So I thought running a marathon would be pushing the boat out, but would it be enough to shut up midlife crises whisperers. I am not sure. There are a lot of fat blokes doing the London marathon; no I have to do better. Then I saw the documentary on TV. The Marathon Des Sables and my decision was made...Get up to date news from my Blog.

That was the fun bit, now the serious bit.

I want your money. Christian Aid is a great charity helping people all over the world in places like Burma and Zimbabwe. If you think you have it tough, think again because you don’t. That you can access a computer to read this page proof that you don’t.

There are people in this world who have lost all. Family, friends, belongings, land, food, dignity and worst of all they have lots hope. There are people for whom death is a welcome end to suffering. We can not stop this, and we may not make a big difference. But through Christian Aid we will make a difference to a few. And for that few, whom we will never know and who will never know us, for them we will have made a difference.

Give as much as you can. If you are a regular giver, please spare us a few pence. If you are not a regular giver. Stop for a moment, examine your own life and consider this opportunity to use a little of your money to rescue lives. And those who think you do not have much to give. I challenge you to go hungry for a day and give the money you saved.

Who ever you are, just give.

Thanks
Kobus

PS: Do check out my Blog for more up to date news