Dear Generous People,
We have walked it and on a beautiful, if blustery, day.
May 22nd started unpromisingly with some rain which soaked everyone's feet, but this cleared by about 7am, leaving only a strong head wind and those 26.4 miles for us to battle. Some walkers showed impressive and moving bravery in the face of serious physical challenges and we send our admiration and awe to those women. You know who you are. Everyone, however, had their moments: moments when we felt unsure we could carry on and moments when we felt elated by the beauty of the scenery under blue, cloudless skies. The panoramic views of Oxfordshire's rolling countryside were breathtaking (luckily not literally) and those of us on the organising team were enormously relieved that the weather was broadly kind. Each water stop felt like a blessing. The encouragement and reassurance on offer was every bit as welcome as the H20 (and croissants in one notable case). At the finish line, most of us were so grateful for the tea, sandwiches and smiles, that it was hard not to let our emotions spill all over them. The atmosphere was hugely happy as the tired walkers were welcomed by their supporters and children ran about with kites enjoying what turned into a big picnic party. The main event is your generosity and thanks to that we have raised more than £23,500 and the donations are still coming in. We are completely overwhelmed and utterly delighted to be able to make substantial donations to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Seesaw, whose valuable work, day after day, year after year, is the real marathon and what we were all really walking with. Thank you, Ali, Sarah, Jo, Natalie, Katie, Larissa, Suzi and Cathy and all our fantastic walkers!!
Just before dawn on Sunday May 22 this year, 114 mums, dads, friends and relatives, connected to 3 schools near Oxfordshire’s beautiful downs, will be starting a 26 mile walk to the White Horse at Uffington in Oxfordshire.
We are hugely excited about raising money to make a difference for two causes we all deeply care about. This JustGiving page will allow you to donate directly to SeeSaw the child bereavement charity.
SeeSaw helps children and their families both before and after a major bereavement, helping them to move forward and to face the future with hope.
'It just gave me a bit of peace when the wheels of my life came off.' Parent.
As the name suggests, SeeSaw is there to help children come to terms with the ups and downs of emotions they feel after losing a loved one.
They would be very grateful for any donation you may feel able to give, no matter how great or small. Every little bit helps to ensure that this tiny local charity can continue their valuable work. If you would like to learn more about the way SeeSaw operates do have a look at their website www.info@seesaw.org.uk
The WalkWithMe2011 Team
Alexandra Hammersley, Alexandra Marsh, Ali Eyston, Alison Orr Burns, Allison Rhodes, Amanda Heppelthwaite, Amanda Wooding, Ann Cadogan, Anna Badcock, Annie Smith, Antoinette Mc Williams-Gray, Belles Bosher, Breeda Hickman, Caroline Cooper, Caroline Doughty, Caroline Egan, Caroline Trevers, Caroline Williams, Catherine Rohll, Catherine Withers Green, Cathrin Johnsen, Cathy Dreyer, Catrina Rowton-Lee, Claire Pincock, Claire Steen, Clare Davis, Clare Hobbs, Clare Symonds, Dawn Breach, Dawn Cuzner, Deborah Caporn, Deborah Peers, Elizabeth Leaver, Ellen Hayward, Emma Armstrong, Emma Bermingham, Emma Davies, Erica Taylor, Eve Humphreys-Evans, Fiona Betts, Fiona Weiss, Gemma Hooper, Gillian Chandler, Hannelie Van Der Merwe, Harriet Trevers, Heidi Roberts, Hilary Lucas, Jaky Anderson-Jeffs, Jane Lindley, Jane Moss, Jane Sweet, Janine Bill, Jessica Platt, Joanna van der Wyck, Jon Paddison, Julie Polkinghorne, Julie Sandbach, Juliette Batchelor, Karen Meynink, Kate Flanagan, Katherine Corich, Katie Potter, Kathryn Goulden, Katja Deer, Kaye Wynn, Keren King, Kylie Harvey, Larissa Hardy, Linda Humphreys-Evans, Lisa Powell, Lizzie Haynes, Lou Brimacombe, Lou Kenlock, Louise Summerley, Mandy Pearson, Marianne Lee, Marissa Blundell, Martine Musson, Melanie Slocombe, Melanie Walmsley, Melinda Janse Van Rensburg, Natalie Scott-Ely, Nichola Loveland, Nicola Mills, Olivia Alderson, Olivia Rohll, Paul Sharkey, Pauline Elkington, Peter Symons, Pippa Bussell, Rachel Martin, Rebecca Potter, Rosemary Clayton, Ruth Whetter, Salli Baker, Sally Lloyd, Samantha Symons, Sandrine Sharpe, Sarah Broughton, Sarah Chaplin-Lee, Sarah Donegan, Sarah Ingram, Sarah Southgate, Sharon Hart, Sharon Jones, Susan Brock, Susan Glenn, Susan Leeman, Suzanne Crafer, Suzanne Skelton, Suzi Griffiths, Tracie Carr-Middleton, Vanessa Carver, Vivien Kernan
Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.
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 -we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now
