Hello,
Stumbled on this article last night.
With regards to a few of the comments. The total amount raised was around 345,000 thai baht, not 140,000.
The original target was £5000, and I was happy with the money raised. I simply enjoy running, so the money raised was a nice, little extra.
Making sure the money was received in the right place and direct to the two places was very important to me. I visited the two places before and after the run. They are two schools / orphanage that are specialised in helping children and young adults with autism. Once I closed the charity account, I held the money personally then sent over. I am in regular contact with both places, with plans to re-visit.
One of the schools was found by speaking with my friend from Khon Kaen. We met through climbing, and I have full trust with her. Her friends Mother has ran the school for many years, and is extremely passionate about helping autistic children, and has even carried out a Ted Talk in Khon Kaen University regarding the issue.
Please feel free to take a look at my facebook: Chris Russell or Instagram: rustyontherun, and this shows letters from both schools explaining how the money is being spent and photographs showing how the money is currently being spent.
I can understand the concern of where charity money ends up. I have had the same concerns and worries, but I took a lot of care, time and research making sure the money raised is directly helping the children.
I am British haha, and not far from Liverpool. A small city called Preston. And I was really hoping that Jurgen Klopp was going to win the league on his last season in charge of Liverpool. Good luck to Arne!
Thank you,
Chris Russell