This year we both turn 50. At the risk of tempting fate, right now we feel pretty blessed in our three healthy children, in where we live, in still being employed, in our own health (fingers and toes crossed) and in being able to celebrate these birthdays with friends and family. We don't need anything much - but other people do.

What we would like to do is raise £1,962 - to match the year of our birth, for charity. We have chosen Opportunity International as our charity. Based in Oxford but linked to an international network they provide microfinance for people in Africa who want to start their own businesses. That might be money for a chicken and a bag of feed, or a table to sell vegetables from. From these modest businesses many people are fed, educated and employed - building independence and self-respect, not dependency.

We will be raising money ourselves during the year - Tina will be running a YogaThon and walking the Ridgeway. Peter is making his mind up but it will probably involve rowing! If you had kindly been thinking of buying something to mark our 50th then please consider donating to this project instead.

Thank you . Tina and Peter