Don't know quite how it happened but I seem to have picked up the running bug - and found myself signing up to run a half marathon (yes, 13.1 miles) at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning at the end of September..

Anyway, I'm up for the challenge, and it seemed like a sensible idea to try and raise some funds for a charity which plays such an important role in fighting all forms of abuse and violence against kids..

Like everyone, I was absolutely horrified by the extent of sickening abuse inflicted upon Baby P. He was born exactly six months before I gave birth to my first child, a little girl, who we love more than anything else in the world. Reading the graphic details which emerged from the court case was shocking beyond words, particularly as a parent of a very much-loved toddler of around the same age.

Not long ago, the NSPCC said it had seen a rise in the number of calls to their child helpline - a change which the charity believes has come about due to increased public awareness about child abuse in the wake of Baby P's appalling death.

I can't say I know enough about what the NSPCC does, but I do know they have a 24-hour helpline and that they are heavily involved in helping kids and youngsters who are struggling and may have nowhere safe to turn for help, advice and support. So raising funds for them seems to be a practical way to help out - as I'm sure you will agree.

Just one more thing: some of those giving here will be doing so in memory of Chantal Claeys who died very unexpectedly this summer. Her daughter Michelle, a good friend and colleague at AFP in London, and her family have asked that, rather than paying for flowers, anyone wanting to remember her would make a sponsorship donation in her memory as that is what she would have wanted. So here's to you, Chantal..

If you give online, great. If you'd prefer to do that sponsorship thing in a more traditional way, then just let me know and we'll sort something out. If you're a tax payer, Gift Aid is a good idea - it doesn't cost you but the NSPCC gets a bit extra.

Thank you for your support. I can't promise to win - but I'll make sure to finish, no matter how long it takes me..  

 

Hazel