My Story

Hi everyone,

In October I headed down to Cornwall to take on the challenge that is the Eden Project Marathon.

As most of you know, I run quite a bit and despite not planning to run another marathon I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. The main reason for that was to do some good and that is to raise money for a really worthwhile charity, Five Talents.

We can probably all think of a talented East African runner that we’ve watched competing at the Olympics or perhaps even seen close up at an event. For a lot of these men and women, becoming an athlete was not about the glory of a medal or title - it’s a means of lifting themselves and their families out of poverty. Of course, not everyone can become an athlete. But anyone can have a great idea for a small business. Five Talents, the charity I am raising funds for, supports entrepreneurs in East Africa with microfinance and business training so that they can turn these ideas into a reality.

By providing some of the world’s most marginalised communities with the basic financial infrastructure that much of the rest of the world takes for granted, the charity empowers individuals to support themselves through business - whether it's farming, market trading, hairdressing or running a cafe. This in turn enables them to make the communities in which they live strong and sustainable. You can read more about some of the individuals who have benefited from the charity's work here.

I hope you can see why the work Five Talents does is so invaluable, and that you'll support me with a donation. I am aiming to raise £500.

I managed to complete the course despite the terrible weather that weekend and it was by far the most challenging event I have ever done. Hitting my fundraising target will make a real difference to the charity's work and make the pain of 13 October worthwhile.

Thanks in advance for your genorosity,

Matt