Lydia’s story
Gosh, I can't quite believe I'm writing this! Thanks to the incredibly kind people at Children First International in partnership with the Friends of St James Mission & School, I am going to run the 2024 London Marathon to raise money that will support girls education in rural Zimbabwe.
I've been a supporter of the Friends of St James (registered charity number 1017217) for my entire life: my Mum taught at the school in rural Zimbabwe back in the early 1980s, and I've grown up attending AGMs, and visited the school in 2017 before becoming a trustee of the charity in 2021.
St James offers incredible education to girls and boys at primary age, and girls in secondary school. 11+ education is fee paying in Zimbabwe, and therefore school attendance drops off massively for girls, the majority of whom come from families that can't afford school fees and/or prioritise the education of boys. Only 30% of girls in Zimbabwe receive a secondary education.
The money I raise through running the London marathon will support bursaries for local girls to receive an education that will fundamentally change the course of their lives, empowering them through the gift of education. The Friends of St James also fund school meals for primary students, many of whom turn up to school hungry, and therefore not in the best frame of mind to learn! I'm passionate about the work of FSJMS, so please stop and ask me if you'd like to learn more! More info can be found on our website: www.fsjms.org.uk.
Every penny really does make a massive difference.
Thank you,
Lydia
P.s. I never thought I'd run a marathon, but if I'm going to, this is pretty much the only charity I'd put myself through it for! Advice, chocolate, and motivational pep talks are very much welcome as this is going to be a tough one.
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