Hi!  Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  

Well, I did it!  See the six photos for proof.  20 miles in six and a half hours (including snack stops!) up and down the hills from Petworth House.  Despite the grey, drizzly weather, it was an inspiring day, with nearly 1,000 people walking 10 or 20 miles, some for very personal reasons.  It was very well organised, with a clear route through a variety of parkland, bluebell woods, rolling pastures, conifers and pretty Sussex villages.  I would recommend it!

When the feet began to feel a bit sore, I thought particularly of my friend Barbara, and of Allison currently undergoing treatment, and of many others.  I also thought of all the kind people who have been so generous with their sponsorship and their words of encouragement.           

To date, I have raised nearly £900, which is fantastic.  It would be brilliant to make it a nice round £1,000.  If you are able to add a donation, please click on DONATE and go! 

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In case you haven't been here before, here's the back story....

I will be attacking the 20 mile Pink Ribbonwalk at Petworth House on Saturday, 8 May 2010.  It was 10 or 20 miles - 10 didn't seem enough of a challenge, and insignificant compared to the challenge those diagnosed with breast cancer have to face.  

My friend and work mate Barbara died of cancer in 2001.  She was great fun, full of life and we used to have brilliant chatty lunches and huge hot chocolates (with cream and flake!).  She had two gorgeous little girls, Ella and Amy, with her husband Sean.  Other friends have also had to endure the pain and gruelling treatment this disease brings with it.  I hope that through your generous support we can contribute to finding a solution and keeping more fabulous women (and men!) healthy.  I heard good advice recently, "Die young, as late as possible."  

**UPDATE 22 March:  I've been in touch with Barbara's sister Janice, who lives in the US.  They're so pleased to hear that Barbara has not been forgotten and keen we should "mention, think, remember, celebrate Barbara" to make her death have some meaning.  Barbara's birthday is 23 May and I would love to give her family news of a truly awesome fundraising event to mark the occasion.**

Now here's the official bit......

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.  I do lots of walking with my canine friends, but we don't normally cram in a 20 miler in the middle of the day.  With your support I might just manage it!

Carolyn

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