The Charities

A quick note on the charities that I hope to raise some money for in the process of putting myself through all of this. Sometimes I ask myself why I've opted for the Ironman challenge. Approaching 30, reducing alcohol-intake, toning up. They're all the selfish reasons. There's added motivation for the 3,000+km that I've clocked up over in excess of 200 hours of ironman-specific training so far (as at mid-June). Without sounding too virtuous I hope that some people will appreciate the time and sacrifice to achieve this and might donate a bit of wonga - every little helps - for my efforts.

The two charities I'm supporting are:

Friends of the Children of Orissa

http://www.orissa.org.uk/

A small, self-funded school in State of Orissa, eastern India. I visited and taught there for 4 weeks in Christmas 2000 where I enjoyed incredible hospitality, an appreciation for the work that they're doing and my fair share of 'Delhi Belly'. In short a school that started by taking in and educating children affected by leprosy, prostitution, alcoholism - you name it. It's now the equivalent of a 'beacon' school welcoming locals from the surrounding villages. Old friends run the charity so we know exactly where the money goes. In time I will dig out a hideous picture of me aged 18 out there and add it in for comedy value...

To donate go to: http://www.justgiving.com/hannahdurdenorissa

Kassisi Porridge Project

www.kasiisiporridge.org - I'm even now featuring on their news page: http://kasiisiporridge.org/news2/

http://kasiisiporridge.org/donate/ or visit my just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/hannahdurden

It started by providing porridge to kids who'd walk 2+hours to get to school each day. It now has it's own farm and is working towards becoming self-sufficient. Kate Wrangham-Briggs (my friend Izzy's Mum for those in the know) runs the show and it is another grass-routes charity involved with feeding and educating under-priviledged kids in poor rural communities.

THANK YOU.