Claire Ferraro's fundraising page

[p]27th April: YAY! We did it and I enjoyed every minute and I'm not just saying that. Honestly, the crowds were incredible and I was really overwhelmed thinking about all these people who are raising thousands pounds for great causes. I also had Idrissa's voice in my head saying 'keep strong Claire' which was very helpful. [/p][p]I'm so happy to have completed the training and the day itself. There have been plenty of times in the last 3 months where I have desperately questioned myself for signing up to this but being part of this incredible team with Amelia and Brendan, raising so much money and publicity for [url=kslp.org.uk]King's Sierra Leone Partnership[/url] has definitely all been worth it. Having said that, I'm not sure I'm going to be running a marathon ever again! [/p][p]So last opportunity to donate :) I'm really near my £5000 target. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, your generosity has astounded me! [/p][p][/p][p]17th April: 9 days to go, eek! [/p][p]I was desperately sad to leave Freetown last week. So far, the weather in London has been surprisingly kind but combine the prospect of running without Idrissa (my rock) for the first time in 2 months and a mild ankle sprain and I was feeling a bit nervous. So far so good though, and now just getting excited for the big day. Are you in London on 26th? Can you come and support?[/p][p]THANK YOU so much to everyone who has already donated. I feel more strongly than ever before that this money is going to be well spent in Freetown to continue to get to zero cases and to rebuild the weakened health care system. [/p][p]If you need any more proof of the good work that KSLP are doing - watch this amazing video by Oliver Johnson, Programme Director. [/p][p][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVyIkDvrQQ4&feature=youtu.be]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVyIkDvrQQ4&feature=youtu.be[/url][/p][p][/p][p]14th March: So training is going well, surprisingly well actually... I ran a half marathon this morning in just over 2 hours, which considering the heat, hills and potholes, I was quite proud of. [/p][p]My progress is solely due to my hero, Idrissa Kargbo, Sierra Leone's top long-distance marathon runner who is acting as my personal trainer. I am so grateful for his patience and dedication. Read about our training more in my blog entry... [url=http://www.claireferraro.blogspot.com]www.claireferraro.blogspot.com[/url][/p][p]Thank you to everyone who has generously donated so far, I am confident that I will make the target but as I am well aware - there's only 6 weeks til the big day. [/p][p][/p][p]6th February: Uh oh, the reality of training for a marathon in under 12 weeks in a hot and humid, chaotic African city has just sunk in. This morning I went for my first ‘training’ run, I left at 6:15am in the dark and had sweat through my t-shirt before I’d reached my first mile. I’m not sure I was thinking straight when I signed up to run this iconic run when I was in London last week for a load of reasons: [/p] [p]a) I’d forgotten how hot and humid Freetown is – and it’s just going to get worse as we enter further into the hot season[/p][p]b) I’d forgotten how busy I am during my volunteer job at Connaught Hospital and the extra roles I’ve inevitably taken on whilst working for Kings Sierra Leone Partnership[/p] [p]c) I’d overestimated my starting point – I thought I could run 8 miles already, turns out it’s barely 5.[/p] [p]d) Finally, and possibly most importantly… I actually don’t love running[/p] [p]Eeek, whatever was I thinking? The only comfort I have is that I think, no matter what the next 11 and a half weeks throw at me, it will be worth it. I am raising money for this fantastic charity that I already feel privileged to be volunteering for since early December. In case you want to learn about my experience here from the beginning – please read my blog ([url=http://www.claireferraro.blogspot.com]www.claireferraro.blogspot.com[/url]) for more stories.[/p] [p]In summary, Kings Sierra Leone Partnership is a fantastic small charity based in Freetown for the last two years. In the last 6 months, they have been instrumental in scaling-up the ebola response in Freetown. Not only at Connaught Hospital, but also at other holding sites across the city, and in an advisory/participatory role with the Ministry of Health & Sanitation, WHO, CDC and many other international partners here. And yet, it’s only since the beginning of 2015, as ebola ebbs away, that the true importance of KSLP’s role is becoming apparent. Its expertise lies in health system strengthening. The very reason ebola was able to spread through this country is evidence of the under-resourced, unstructured and fractured health system. KSLP is currently working on various projects, including infection prevention and control programmes, setting up triage systems and free care for emergencies, supporting the development of post-graduate training programmes with the College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences and many others.[/p] [p]It is safe to say that your money will be well spent by KSLP. Please give generously. Your support and the knowledge of how much this will help Sierra Leone is honestly the only thing that is going to get me through the next 78 days![/p][p][/p][p][span=font-size: 12.960000038147px; line-height: 15.5519990921021px;]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. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.[/span][/p]