FOR "A LITTLE 5KM" ENTRY DONATIONS, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY GIFT AID.
Hello, my name is Craig Duff. I have created and am the first registered participant for "A Little Quest" - a running event, which will take place in June 2010 to raise money for Brain Tumour UK.
Why?
Like millions of people, I am an ambitious person with dreams and aspirations for a successful career, family and social life. My health, and the health of my friends and family, thankfully, has not been something I have had to really worry about, until recently.
In June 2009, my girlfriend met her uncle, Andrew Little, for lunch in Bristol. Andrew helped my girlfriend and I when we moved to the South West and I always thought of him as a friend. He was an intelligent, professional and charismatic man. At lunch in June 2009, Andrew was not acting his usual self. Such was the concern, that my girlfriend and her mother persuaded him to attend the local A&E. A week later, Andrew had brain surgery to remove a grade 4 glioblastoma from his left frontal lobe. 95% of the tumour was removed and he underwent sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Very sadly, Andrew died on Monday 8 March 2010, aged just 52. Less than 9 months after initial diagnosis.
Brain tumours are an unknown commodity to most people. I had (and still have) very little knowledge of why and how they develop or an appreciation for the vast range of tumour types. What I have learnt is that they represent an unimaginable emotional and physical challenge for the individual concerned and create feelings of helplessness and frustration for friends and family members. It is devastating how rapidly the disease can transform a person's life.
I have created "A Little Quest" to show my support for Andrew and other people who face the same fight against brain tumours. The name of the challenge is a personal tribute to a lovely man who I had the privilege of getting to know.
A Little Quest
On Monday 31 May 2010, I will start with my left foot in the sea on the east coast of England, at Shoeburyness, near Southend-on-sea, Essex. I will run approximately 30 miles a day for 6 days until my left foot is in the sea on the west coast of England, at Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset on Saturday 5 June 2010. The total distance is approximately 180 miles and will take me straight across England, from east coast to west coast.
I have two requests:
(1) please sponsor me for doing this ridiculous challenge. I have never attempted an extreme event like this before. I've run half marathons and a couple of marathons but this is a completely different beast. But, I am determined to show that anything is possible when you put your mind to it and am hoping that the bigger the challenge, the more can be raised for Brain Tumour UK; and
(2) if you would like to do something more than make a donation, please join me on "A Little Quest" and help me raise money for Brain Tumour UK. You can join me on the route for as little or as much of the journey as you like. If you are interested in taking part, please email me at c_r_duff@msn.com or leave me a message on the "A Little Quest" website.
You can find out more about "A Little Quest" and follow its progress at http://alittlequest.webs.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/A_Little_Quest and on Facebook.
Brain Tumour UK
Brain Tumour UK is the leading, caring charity committed to fighting brain tumours. Its personalised support is available online, on the phone, by email and through firendly support groups. Its scientific research improves the quality of life for brain tumour patients and identifies better treatments. The charity raises awareness to change things for the better, for everyone affected by a brain tumour.
Just Giving Donations
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
