Salam! This September, I will be running to raise money for a cause I truly believe in. The Omid Foundations do admirable work for impoverished and disadvantaged young women in Iran. As they are working under difficult circumstances, I want to do what I can to keep this foundation going and to give these women a chance to reach their true potential. I first heard about Omid at a screening of the Glass House at St Antony's College at Oxford. Moved by the women's stories, I immediately wrote to its founder, Marjaneh Halati, and told her how much I admired her work. Since then, I have been able to do some volunteering work for them. Now, I want to help raise money as well as awareness, so that Omid can continue their admirable and selfless work.

I will be running at Nike's Run to the Beat on the 25th of September 2011. It's a half marathon and I will be running along a route near the O2, accompanied by musicians for most of its length. This will provide motivation for runners — and give us the extra rhythm to complete the race!

I enjoy running on a fairly regular basis, and besides being a member of a gym, I also jog in Hyde Park. I first participated in a half marathon a few years ago in Kuala Lumpur. I ran for a Malaysian charity that sought to improve the quality of life for elderly persons. This year, I want to help the Omid Foundations. Although I want to help raise money for them, I also want to take this opportunity to raise awareness and shed more light on the work that they do in Iran and abroad. Although I love running, I am doing this for the many young disadvantaged women in Iran who need a chance. I have faith in them. And I hope all of you will have faith in me. I am sure together we can make someone else's life a little bit better.

Thank you,

Rowena

Make a donation - Sponsor Rowena and support the Omid Foundations

Please support Rowena's participation in the Half-Marathon and help her raise funds for the Omid Foundations. With your help, she aims to raise $5,000 or £3,000.

Make an online donation through our website, which is easy and totally secure: donate now.

Donations are tax deductible for US tax payers. If you're a UK taxpayer and agree to Gift Aid your donation, we receive an additional 25% from the Inland Revenue and it does not cost you a Penny.

You can also you can send us a check made out to 'Omid Foundation' in US Dollars drawn on a US bank or in GBP drawn on a UK bank. Checks should be mailed to Omid Foundation either in the US (6517 Lone Oak Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817) or the UK (63 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PJ).

Nike's Run to the Beat Half Marathon

Run to the Beat has been running for three years, and this year will be its fourth event. It is organised by Nike with music from City Showcase and the Ministry of Sound. These top music powerhouses will be situated along the run, playing live music to entertain as well as to motivate runners. The route, which starts and ends at the O2, will be 13.1 miles long and will have around 17,000 participants. Although the route has not been finalised yet, runners will be expected to run through the Docklands and Greenwich. Runners will be there on behalf of a charity of their choice, each with their own personal targets. For details see http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/.