Street Child is a charity that we've become involved in who do amazing work all over the world, in some of the most challenging environments, keeping kids safe, learning and in school. Over the last 15 years, they've helped over 1 million kids , supported more than 15,000 adults, and have helped construct or renovate more than 800 schools.

One of the places they do great work is Sierra Leone. Even today, it remains one of the world's poorest countries and children continue to face significant barriers to learning, with 36% of children never completing primary school, and many more leaving school without foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Without intervention, young people risk getting stuck in a cycle of illiteracy and poverty.

Street Child is working to help as many kids as possible but of course that doesn’t come without a cost - however, it’s amazing to know that every $1 invested in a child’s education is worth between $4 and $10 in economic return. Not to mention the fact that the cost of eight cups of coffee here in the UK (£30) will provide a year’s education for a child in Sierra Leone.

So, this year we've been inspired to head out to Sierra Leone to help, Melanie is doing the hard yards (all 46145 of them!) running a marathon in the blazing heat and Derek is taking on the slightly easier option of the cycle ride - for those of you that know us that probably doesn’t come as a surprise!

However, we are reaching out for your help - anything you can give is super, super appreciated and will absolutely go towards this amazing cause of giving loads of kids a real chance at a better life in Sierra Leone.

Thanks so much, Melanie & Derek