In my blissful ignorance a few years ago I attempted a marathon. On that very day I swore blind that I would never, EVER do another marathon for as long as I live...!

I've kept up a bit of running and every time the marathon idea has crept into my head I've rapidly dismissed it as ridiculous (unless of course, it was for a really worthy cause!)

So here I am a few years older and wiser (debatable) and I do have a very worthy cause that is worth putting my body through hell for. I was pretty fearful the first time round but having actually experienced it before I'm even more fearful as I now know what to expect!!!!

As a child I remember visiting a small children's home with my school in order to donate some clothes, toys and supplies. I remember how shocked I was at the time to see how little the children had. An eye opening experience.

Despite the children's home having very little online presence and no real exposure I did manage to find it and make contact. Things have progressed and there are now two homes - one for children yet to complete Primary school - 0-12 year olds (Os Pirilampos) and another for 12-18 year olds (A Gaivota).

But the children still have very little and are desperate for some of the fundamental things that most of us take for granted. From shoes and clothes to dental and optical care. Some of the children have been through very traumatic experiences before arriving at the homes as well so having the right staff on site is also essential.

There are roughly 45 children and the main focus of my fund raising is to help provide some direct support for them. Specifically; Dental and optical care, Essential supplies, and education support. As a secondary focus I would also like to think that this process will help set up channels to make it easier to raise funds in the future, raise the profile of the homes themselves and also raise awareness of the charities behind much of the funding.

The Peta Birch Community Association originally donated the land upon which one of the homes is built and has given a vast amount of support to the homes over the years; www.petabirch.org & www.amigosdascriancas.org. This is where any funds I raise will be sent. We are very grateful to our partners; the Be As One Foundation in the UK www.beasonefoundation.org/ for their help in setting things up from a fund raising perspective.

I must clarify that the reason for choosing these specific homes is because the children really do need our support. There are a variety of reasons why the children are there ranging from abuse to tragic loss of parents or guardians. It's important to bear in mind the fragile and vulnerable state that they can suddenly find themselves in. The homes themselves do not have very much exposure like so many other worthy causes. Every little bit of help really means a lot to them and will make a huge difference to the lives of these youngsters.