After everyone was so amazingly generous last year with their donations, I thought I'd better up the ante and add some more challenges for fundraising in 2012! So I'll be taking part in two tough challenges this year as part of the Sisterhood, all for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. So please give up those pennies and pounds for an amazing cause!

THE 2012 CHALLENGES…

Venice Vogalonga

Along with a dragon boat full of the Sisterhood racing team, I'll be off to Venice in a few weeks to take part in two races - one for dragonboats and the main Vogalonga race on Sunday 27th May. This is a 44km race from St Mark's Basin, around the islands, around the canals until we pass down the Grand Canal to the finish line opposite St Mark's Square.

The Vogalonga is an act of love for Venice and its waters, it's described as "a celebration for the entire 'people of the oar'" and is a peaceful stand against the wave-motion of motorised boats which are dangerous for the city and the lagoon.

After 44km, we'll certainly need a bellini in Harry's bar!

Cowes Week

For the first time, the Sisterhood are forming one of the only all-female teams to compete in Cowes week. From 11th - 18th August we'll be sailing a 45ft yacht for 7 days, no pottering around - we're in it to win it! Considering many/most of us are only just learning to sail, we'll be training a LOT before Cowes. 

There are around 8500 competitors (around 1000 keel boats) and the sheltered waters and unusual tidal conditions of the Solent make for interesting and very challenging sailing!

We'll also be doing some pretty serious on-shore fundraising at the event so it should be a big opportunity for the Sisterhood to raise tons of money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 

THE CHARITY…

The Sisterhood aim to raise £100,000 per year for the team’s chosen charity – The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. To date, we have raised over £350,000 for charity. The charity is close to so many people's hearts, including my own, so please give whatever you can to help.

The Royal Marsden is a world-leading cancer centre, providing treatment and care for more than 40,000 cancer patients every year. It is also at the forefront of cancer research and education. Its work influences how all cancer patients are treated and cared for, not just in its own hospitals but all over the world.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity supports this pioneering work. Thanks to their supporters, they are able to help The Royal Marsden continue to push boundaries and raise standards of excellence.

Supporting the charity helps everyone who benefits from the work of The Royal Marsden. Scientists searching for cures. Doctors who depend on the latest cancer treatments and technologies. Nursing students looking for the best in clinical education. And, of course, cancer patients and their families.

With your support, The Royal Marsden can continue to make life better for people with cancer and keep striving towards a future without it.

SPONSORSHIP…

Any amount, large or small, would be HUGELY appreciated so please gather those pennies!

THANK YOU ALL VERY VERY MUCH!
Much love, Annie
xxx