I'm running the 2014 Bracknell Half Marathon on 27th April to raise money for Southampton University based charity Cameroon Catalyst. It's a joint project between students from the university and the Mosame Trust, based on the development of health, education and welfare in Bambouti, a rural village in French-speaking Cameroon.

The Cameroon Catalyst project began at the university in 2009, with the aim of designing and constructing long-lasting buildings and infrastructure to improve the quality of life for the villagers. The engineering students involved in the project undertake design work while the language students translate the plans and correspondence which are then sent to the local craftsmen and builders that we employ in Cameroon.

In June this year I will be part of a team going out to Cameroon to oversee the project's progress. Bracknell may not be the most scenic of places for a half marathon but it is for a great cause - we are aiming to raise £25,000 in total. This is a self-funded trip so all of the money raised will be used directly to help fund initiatives to provide local people with the skills to maintain and run the existing projects, and also to improve housing in the village of Bambouti. My personal fundraising target is £500 - any donation large or small (even if it's just a pound - click on "other amount") to help me reach this would be much appreciated!

 

Here's a link to the Cameroon Catalyst website if you'd like to find out more about the project.