On 6 November 2011, successful New York-qualified attorney, and new Board member, Alec Haydon will be running in the New York marathon for Protimos.

Protimos is a network of lawyers that works with poverty-stricken communities to support them in legal actions over their rights to compensation for the loss of their land and their traditional know-how.

Protimos lawyers train up young lawyers in poor communities, in developing countries, where local people's legal rights to the use of their land and natural resources have been usurped by the development process – they teach them how to negotiate and take cases to court. Protimos lawyers pass on their legal skills and knowledge to the next generation, so that marginalised people can advocate for their own legal rights after Protimos has moved on.

Alec is a barrister practising in London and was recently invited to join the Board of Protimos. He wants to use this opportunity to raise as much money as he can to support the work of this charity. In Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, two young lawyers trained by Protimos now have 12 cases underway – helping local communities to claim compensation for the loss of their lands, which now lie beneath the Katse Dam. Chief Khetang and the Mapeleng community have had no water since 1996 and their situation is desperate. Their case goes to court soon.

Alec is nervous about the daunting task of running a marathon. The road here has not been easy and this is his first attempt at the distance. However, he believes in the valuable work Protimos does. It needs funds, in order to help people like Chief Khetang and the Mapeleng community and your support and commitment to the cause will incentivize Alec. Make it interesting and promise extra – and Alec will go for a time under four hours!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support his fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!