Hello!

Storms Ciara and Dennis notwithstanding (remember them and all that rain), here in the UK we are blessed with plenty of water to drink.

However, many people simply don’t have that luxury. I visited South Africa in January and found even large towns such as Grahamstown are living with water restrictions in the face of drought and poor infrastructure.

Do you have any idea what it's like to be thirsty?

Do you know that every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation?

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are really simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to global communities.

Of course, these all cost money, simple though they are, which is why I started my 65th year fundraising campaign to help charity: water build these types of projects, and I'm looking for anyone who can help me.

I want to raise £6,500 by 17 April 2021, but the sooner the better, so please donate today. Although our target is high, we want lots of little donations, rather than few large ones, so please:

>> Limit your donation to £25 (or USD / Euro equivalent), and

>> Pass this on to friends, family and work colleagues and ask for their support.

And, yes, I will be taking part in my 18th and last Great North Run half-marathon on 13th September to raise money to bring the joy and beauty of clean water to those without it.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact how and where we have helped.

I know we are constantly being asked to donate to good causes and so I understand if you don't want to participate in my campaign. However, please do remember how much we take for granted here in the UK when we turn on the tap to fill a bath or take a shower, fill a saucepan, water our plants, brush our teeth, turn on the washing machine or wash the mud off our cars.

charity: water is simple, cost efficient and hits at the heart of life itself. I ask you to think carefully about this and be as generous as possible.

Thank you.

Jeremy

PS. If you are in any doubt or want to know more, please read Scott Harrison's book Thirst. 100% of Scott's net profits from sales of his book go to fund water projects through the charity.

PPS. It only needs 260 of us to donate £25 each to reach our target, so please donate as soon as possible, and pass this on to your family and friends. Thank you.