Dermot Sands

On 13th January 2013, I will be travelling - on behalf of Celtic Charity Fund - as a volunteer to help work in local schools in the largest slum in Africa - Kibera, Kenya. As part of the trip, we are also looking to raise £18,880 for Celtic Charity Fund and the Kibera Celtic Foundation, a fundraising target to commemorate the Club's inception in 1888. I have been tasked with raising a minimum of £2,000.

In order for me to be a part of the trip, I am kindly asking you to support me with a donation, no matter how big or small - that will enable to me to do something I am working towards throughout this year.

As you can see from the title of this page, one of the chief events I am going to involve myself in to try and raise funds for the great work of this charity, is to run this year's Dublin Marathon on October 29th. For any of you who have run a marathon, you will realise how huge a commitment this is for me in terms of training in both time and physical effort. I have ne... more

On 13th January 2013, I will be travelling - on behalf of Celtic Charity Fund - as a volunteer to help work in local schools in the largest slum in Africa - Kibera, Kenya. As part of the trip, we are also looking to raise £18,880 for Celtic Charity Fund and the Kibera Celtic Foundation, a fundraising target to commemorate the Club's inception in 1888. I have been tasked with raising a minimum of £2,000.

In order for me to be a part of the trip, I am kindly asking you to support me with a donation, no matter how big or small - that will enable to me to do something I am working towards throughout this year.

As you can see from the title of this page, one of the chief events I am going to involve myself in to try and raise funds for the great work of this charity, is to run this year's Dublin Marathon on October 29th. For any of you who have run a marathon, you will realise how huge a commitment this is for me in terms of training in both time and physical effort. I have never run much over 6 miles ever in my life before but I am determined to complete my first marathon and your help for this cause will give me all the incentive I need!

UPDATE ON MARATHON : I completed the Dublin Marathon at the start of November in a time of 4 hrs and 28 mins. It was a fantastic experience to do it and I was very pleased that I did it in a reasonable time. All the training, and crucially, your support paid off! Thanks so much. I am still fundraising for my trip to Kenya though and all donations are welcome!

As a bit of background, Celtic Charity Fund was formed in 1995 to raise funds and support specific areas of charity work, while upholding and promoting the charitable principles and heritage of the football club. Since then, it has raised around £4.5m for a host of worthy causes on a local, national and international basis.

Established in 2008 as a self help programme, the Kibera Celtic Foundation links sport with small business development, AIDS awareness and other community programmes, including health and education.

Your support will be invaluable. Thanks in advance for any donations you can make, Dermot