I have spent most of my working life seeking to improve the lives of local children and young people who have had a tough start in life. Street Child is seeking to achieve these same ends on an international basis so I am a big fan!

The charity's purpose is to see all children safe, in school and learning - even, and especially, in low-resource environments and emergencies. They work with an expanding network of 95+ local organisations for lasting impact in 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

I've been inspired to take on this running challenge by my 17-year-old daughter, Fifi, who has an incredibly strong commitment to social justice in deeds as well as words. As ever, I am running to keep up with her; this time I will be literally trying to keep up with her in 30 degree heat and 90% humidity!

I am hoping we can raise lots of money that will go a very long way in helping a huge number of people. Also, selfishly, I am really looking forward to taking on this challenge together with my daughter.

We are running the half marathon, which is a distance that I ran a few years ago but my fitness has dipped massively since lockdown and my training so far has needed to pick up from a very low base. The big unknown is how we will respond to the extreme weather conditions, which could be incredibly sunny or incredibly wet, and always incredibly hot and humid!

The training has been tough so far, both in finding time to run, and in staying injury free. I am learning I am not as young as I think I am!

All funds you donate will go directly to Street Child for use in helping local communities. We pay ourselves to cover the cost of holding the race and spending while we are there, which all supports the local economy too, which gives a double benefit.

The thing I am least looking forward to is losing some creature comforts and the things I like to eat (plus hoping there's not too many nasty bugs). The things I am most looking forward to are meeting people from the local villages and schools who the charity supports, and knowing we have raised lots of money that will support their communities.

I'd be really grateful if you could help me with this last part by donating as much as you feel able to the work of this great charity.

For those of you who pray, I'd also be grateful for your prayers that we might stay healthy and well in our training and on our travels.

Thank you for supporting me.

Tim