Thank you for landing on my fundraising page for Street Child and my challenge of running a marathon in Sierra Leone in May.

How did I get here you might ask! Especially for everyone who knows me, will know that running a marathon in a warm & humid country will be my biggest challenge of my life! Because if we would have a chat, I would tell you I HATE running in the HEAT! ;)

So how did I end up signing for this?

It started in 2022 when my boss ran the Marathon in Sierra Leone and told me all about the Street Child Charity. What they do, how they support the children and what she had seen while out there first hand. I was so in awe but also knew it would not only be a massive physical challenge but an emotional one too. I signed up for the 2023 challenge but it wasn't meant to be. Last year my Mum had the devastating diagnosis of stage IV breast cancer and had a long journey of chemotherapy planned. Unfortunately my Mum passed away early 2023. I was not in a position to participate that year.

It is now 2024 and a new year brings new commitments and a determination of Giving. I know life isn't easy for most of us and money can be tight in many household rights now BUT if you can find the heart to give, no matter how big or small, I am ever so grateful.

Now lets talk a little about STREET CHILD and their mission TO SEE ALL CHILDREN SAFE, IN SCHOOL AND LEARNING - ESPECIALLY IN LOW RESOURCE ENVIRONMENTS AND EMERGENCIES

When Street Child started working in Sierra Leone in 2008, it was the poorest nation in the world. Today, 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, children risk getting stuck in a cycle of illiteracy and poverty.

The communities we serve need us to act. We are determined to do just that.

We have the experience. We have the skills. We have the plan. Now we need you.

Your support of the Sierra Leone Marathon is critical to the work we do as it is with your support we have been able to support over 749,920 children into education and support 89,773 families to set up businesses so they can afford the cost of living.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this and support this important Charity. I will keep you all updated with my progress, challenges along the way and fundraising events I will hold to raise more money.

Sincerely,

Petra