On November 3, I am going to attempt to run the New York Marathon -- barefoot -- and in doing so try to raise as much money as I can for Amnesty International, an organisation I have been involved with since the 80's.

 

Not being much of a runner, this will be the culmination of 12 months of blood, sweat and tears -- literally. When I committed to the challenge last October, I could barely complete just a few kilometres. Debilitating knee pain threatened to kill my ambition of running a marathon. I decided to try running without any shoes and, although I developed some ripper blisters, the knee pain went away. A few weeks ago I past the crucial milestone of running 30 km non-stop barefoot, so I am confident now of making the 42 km distance.

 

Amnesty International was started in 1961 by a British lawyer who had the courage to speak up for two Portuguese students imprisoned for raising a toast to freedom. Today, Amnesty fights relentlessly for people around the world who are denied the fundamental human rights that we enjoy. More than ever Amnesty needs essential funds to continue its important work.

 

It would mean a lot to me if you can support Amnesty in any small way you can, by donating a few dollars, perhaps passing a hat around the office or by letting others or the media know about my project. 

 

To put a little extra 'skin in the game', I've pledged to have the Amnesty Candle tattooed on my foot if I raise over $15,000.