I’m so excited to be returning to Sierra Leone this June, where I will be taking part in the half marathon to raise money for Street Child – a charity committed to helping the poorest, most vulnerable children in the world.

Throughout the ten years that I have been fundraising for Street Child, I have witnessed the country go through unprecedented challenges, from the Ebola outbreak to the mudslide crisis, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter how hard life has hit these children they have an overwhelming sense of optimism and that makes them worth fighting for.

Street Child has become ever more successful at helping the poorest children gain an education through their Family Business Grant. This scheme gives primary caregivers business development training, intensive social support and a grant to help them start a small business. After 20 weeks, Street Child matches the caregiver’s savings so that they can afford to keep their children in education. This sustainable, and extremely effective intervention has supported 31,000 families and led to the enrolment and retention of more than 50,000 children in schools. It is empowering projects like this, which not only help children but also support the financial infrastructure of communities, which have inspired me to fundraise for Street Child for so long.

Whilst Steet Child's work continues to be amazing – they can’t do it without our help. Children still face an average life expectancy of 55 and literacy rates of 40%, both of which have worsened since the pandemic.

So, if you can, please support my half marathon and make a donation to Street Child. Every donation, however big or small, can transform a child's life.

Thank you so much for your generosity.

Please share this page with your friends and family, and follow my Facebook for photos of the beautiful children which your donations will be helping.