Hi All,

We will be taking on the hefty challenge of running the 2016 Belfast Marathon in aid of the Acid Survivor's Trust International!

A little bt of background….Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) is the only organisation whose sole purpose is to work towards the end of acid violence across the world. Recognising the need for local knowledge and expertise in order to combat acid violence effectively, ASTI founded and continues to support the development of six partner organisations in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, Nepal, Uganda and India. It also works with UN agencies, NGOs and strategic partners from across the world to increase awareness of acid violence and develop effective responses at the national and international level.

Acid violence is the deliberate use of acid to attack another human being. The victims of acid violence are overwhelmingly women and children, and attackers often target the head and face in order to maim, disfigure and blind. Acid has a devastating effect on the human body, often permanently blinding the victim and denying them the use of their hands. 

Acid attacks rarely kill but cause severe physical, psychological and social scarring, and victims are often left with no legal recourse, limited access to medical or psychological assistance, and without the means to support themselves. 

In order to rebuild their lives, acid survivors need long-term access to a holistic programme of medical support, rehabilitation, and advocacy that can only be provided by a local organisation - this is where ASTI really makes a big impact!

Matt visited the local hospice in Bangladesh and saw first hand the great work that ASTI carry out and the huge impact that the foundation has on victims lives.

Please give generously,

Matt & Robbie

http://www.acidviolence.org/index.php

Netflix Documentary: Saving Face