Colin Blears's fundraising page

[p]Hello[/p] [p]Thank you for visiting my page and taking the time to read more about this great cause we are supporting. [/p] [p]Over the last few years I have taken on a few challenges to keep me on my toes which include, Climbing Ben Nevis for the Queens Jubilee, Skydiving and a 400ft bungee jump.  [/p][p]When it comes to running I have applied to get a place in the London Marathon but until now I have never had the opportunity to secure a place.  So as it is the start of a new year I have cut out the alcohol for Dry January and started my training plan. [/p][p]http://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/training/training-plans/intermediate-17-week-training-plan/ [/p][p]Over coming weeks leading up to the marathon I will be posting pictures and updates my training progress and I would like to thank you in advance for any contributions you can make to this cause.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr/][p][/p][p]MapAction is an international disaster mapping charity. When a humanitarian disaster strikes, MapAction deploy a team of volunteers to the frontline of the emergency to help map the needs of survivors. They map a huge range of information which ensures that relief aid can reach all those in need as quickly as possible. MapAction's most recent deployment has been to West Africa to help out with the Ebola crisis.[/p] [p]An earthquake strikes. Live and livelihoods have been destroyed. The entire landscape has changed. Where do you start?[/p] [p]In a humanitarian emergency, the first information you need is “where”.[/p] [p]-        Where are survivors?[/p] [p]-        How can you reach them?[/p] [p]-        Which areas have already received aid?[/p] [p]-        Where are people still in need?[/p] [p]Within hours of an alert, MapAction deploys skilled volunteers to the frontline of emergencies to help map the needs of survivors so they get the help they so desperately need. Its mapped information can make the difference between life and death for people caught up in the crisis.[/p] [p]"MapAction has made the most significant contribution to the management of humanitarian emergencies in 20 years." Gilbert Greenall, United Nations[/p] [p]MapAction’s most recent deployments have been to West Africa for the Ebola crisis. The team don’t know where or when its skills will be needed next, but they do need to be ready to respond – quickly, which is why your support is so important.[/p] [p]£10 could cover the cost of producing and printing 40 maps of a disaster scene, so search-and-rescue teams know where to look.[/p] [p]£20 could pay for a week’s worth of anti-malarials, so a volunteer can deploy safely to the scene of a disaster and help save lives.[/p][p][/p][hr/][p][/p] [p]Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this.[/p]