Julia's 60th Birthday Toilet Challenge

Part of having a very privileged 60 years has been never worrying about access to decent toilets and hand washing facilities. But shockingly around the world this is the exception rather than the rule.

Hay2Timbuktu is raising funds to provide toilets in schools in Timbuktu and I'd like to help. It costs about £125 to build and fit out a toilet cubicle - so little to us, but an enormous amount for the Timbuktu community, so they can't do this without help.

Proper sanitation is life-changing, reducing diarrhoeal disease and actually enabling pupils to attend school. This is particularly true for girls who are inhibited from attending by the very poor facilities and the need to share toilets with boys.

I'd love to look back on my 60th birthday and remember not only what fun celebrations I've had with family and friends, but to also know that we've helped some teenagers in Timbuktu towards a better education and a better quality of life.

Thanks for your generosity.