Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page, now please open your wallets. 

On the 19th June I will be joining colleagues from Barclays toKayak from the O2 Arena to the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, taking in some of the majestic sites of London along the river Thames.

This is how it was sold to me; in reflection it might not be quite as idyllic as I anticipated. Firstly I have been informed that the route is in the region of 10 – 11 miles long. Secondly the route is the River Thames, which apart from being the busiest inland waterway in the UK is also tidal; we will be kayaking against the tide. Thirdly apart from watching Kayaking on the TV at the Olympics I haven’t been near a Kayak since 1999 on a school trip to the South of France.Finally Dickens, described the Thames as 'a dank, stinking sludge, the scene of murders and crime'. All in all I am feeling confident and delighted to be taking part!

The reason I've put myself forward for this challenge (ordeal) is to raise money for the Diana Awards and Westminster Boating Base. The Diana Awards empowers and engages socially active young people and Westminster Boating Base delivers water sports sessions to schools, community groups and young people, many of whom are disadvantaged and hard to reach.

With your support both of these charities can continue with the amazing work they currently do with the UK's young people and Barclays will match donations pound for pound so no matter how small, every penny will count!

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you for both your support and generosity.