Dear Friends

 

Due to some insane reason, I have decided to take part in Tough Mudder on 26th April 2014.

 

For those of you who have not heard of this event it is a 20km military style obstacle course. Not only is the course just short of a half marathon but involves 25 obstacles ranging from ice pools to electrocution (hopefully not at the same time!)

 

Anyone who wants to see what I am putting myself through, and have a  laugh at my expense, watch the following video http://toughmudder.co.uk/obstacles/course-types

 

The reason for my decision to run is based mainly on the charity that I am raising money for, the Gaucher Association (www.gaucher.org.uk). This charity supports individuals and families that suffer from Gaucher disease. This charity is very close to me, so much so I am both a director and the treasurer.

 

Gaucher’s disease is a little known genetic disorder that only effects 6,000 people worldwide.

 

There are three types of Gaucher disease.  The most common forms of Gaucher disease (Type 1) affects 1 in 100,000 of the general population but 1 in 850 of Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent, although not all those who inherit the mutated genes for this disorder will show symptoms

 

In the rarer Neuronopathic (Type 2 and Type 3) Gaucher disease, neurological symptoms occur which include an eye movement disorder, fits, loss of skills and a central auditory processing disorder. Children with Type 2 Disease die within one or two years of birth.

 

This disorder directly effects my immediate family hence I am asking people to be particularly generous.

 

My initial aim was to raise £2,000 but now I am past this it would be fantastic if I could reach £5,000!

 

There are two ways to sponsor me, either go to the following website http://www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Bloom-toughmudder and add in your sponsorship or just pledge an amount to me. If you decide to pledge then I will collect on these once I have hopefully completed the course. Please also feel free to send me charity cheques but please ensure these are addressed to the Gaucher Association (charity number: 1095657). 

 

Thank you in advance for your generosity and I would really appreciate your help on this one.

 

Andrew