It Only Takes a Spark

Mark MacAlpine in full flight in the 2008 Standard Chartered marathon. | Photo: M. MacAlpineHello Friends!

I've just been given a great start to the Chinese New Year! I've received a letter (click here to view the letter) from an inspiring supporter of our work.  Remember Prof. Mark MacAlpine, who ran in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon to raise funds for Christian Action's children's homes in Qinghai?

Well, Mark has been training feverishly in preparation for a half marathon this year!  Why does he do it?  He told us, "In all of my running I have never experienced the much discussed ‘runner's high'. The greatest joy of doing all this running is the high from raising funds for kids to have a better life.  This gives me more satisfaction than any transient 'runners high'.  And that satisfaction, combined with my being naturally stubborn keeps me from giving up!”

When he was asked, "Why choose Christian Action?”,he replied, " Quite simply, it's personal association. I know Siew Mei as a Christian and fellow church member, so I know the money IS going on surgery for these kids.  I know that CA does not splurge on unnecessarily high overheads.”

Many people have asked me how they can support Christian Action and what I have found is a lot of DIY fundraising can be done.

For Mark, the hardest part each year is getting out regularly to train, as at times it can be raining and/or cold, or he's just too busy to squeeze a run in. But he says, "When the sun is up and you are alone in the hills seeing for miles, China to the north, Sai Kung to the west, Sharp Peak to the East and the sea to the south, it is just glorious and my heart really overflows that I am still able to get out into such countryside.”

This year, Mark has a higher fundraising target than last year. He plans to raise a minimum of HK$70,000.

But listen to this amazing news.  Mark recently received an e-mail from a friend who donated HK$10,000, saying he did it "because Dou Ge's story really touched my heart”!

So my friends, someone like you reading this post, was so moved by Dou Ge's story that they are now keen to help more children!

Let's help Mark leap right over his $70,000 target. Support this enthusiastic guy and click on the "SUPPORT MARK'S RUN” button below.

And remember, you can also 'do it yourself' and organize your own fundraiser!  It only takes a spark of enthusiasm and the fire of generosity will spread!

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of DIY fundraisers! I look forward to receiving your story! Bless you all and have a wonderful week!  And Mark… we are all cheering you on!

Support Mark's Run