For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to sign up for the Marathon and run around London for 26.2 miles on 28th April- a decision I'm quickly starting to regret, having been on my first run this weekend! Apparently once you're signed up you're committed though, so it looks like I'll have to give it a go...

I've always liked the idea of running the Marathon but it's always been something I'd wanted to do in the (very) distant future, rather than any time soon. After a spur of the moment decision however, following a holiday of over eating (a lot), it seems that the Marathon and all the training that goes with it will be appearing slightly sooner than expected. 

Whilst I like to keep fit and am really looking forward to the challenge, my first run has reminded me that I'm definitely not a runner, which is exactly why I'd always wanted the Marathon to be in the future, rather than the present! Training in the beautiful English winter weather isn't the most appealing prospect but one thing I know will keep me motivated on those cold, rainy runs after work (when all I really want to do is slump in front of the TV), is that I'm going to be raising money for CARE International. 

CARE work all over the world, across Africa, Asia, Latin American and Europe, fighting poverty and injustice in the world's most vulnerable places. Throughout the 93 countries in which they're present, CARE provide aid to some of the world's poorest people, in the least developed countries. Countries with fragile states, where the governments aren't able to provide for basic needs or protect the rights of their people. They also work with the poorest communities in middle income countries, which despite some economic growth, have massive inequality that leaves some people trapped in complete poverty. 

By 2020, CARE aim to support 150 million people from the poorest and most excluded communities to overcome poverty and social injustice. Specifically by 2020, they will have helped:

• 100 million women exercise their rights to sexual, reproductive and maternal health and a life free from violence;
  
• 30 million women have greater access to and control of their economic resources;
• 20 million people affected by humanitarian crises to receive life-saving humanitarian aid; and 
• 50 million poor and vulnerable people to increase both their food security and resilience to climate change.

For every £1 that CARE receive, they spend 85p directly on their life saving programmes in the world's poorest communities, with the remaining 15p going towards fundraising and running the charity. Any donation you can make, however big or small, will make a real difference to people's lives. 

I would massively appreciate your support and sponsorship, to help CARE raise as much money as possible and continue the fight against global poverty. The next few joyful months of cold and wet training for a 26.2 mile jog through London's streets, will seem much more worthwhile if I'm able to raise a load of money for CARE in the process.

Thank you!

Nick