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Between 24 April and 4 May 2010, I was supposed to be joining around 60 people trekking along one of the Wonders of the World as part of Macmillan's Great Wall of China Hiking Challenge.  I was lucky enough to be allowed to reschedule my trek since I missed the group's departure date due to the volcanic ash.  I will keep you posted with my new dates.  The 11-day challenge will take us through remote parts of the Yanshan Mountains, along original and renovated parts of the Wall.  We will experience the breathtaking scenery, the challenging 300 steps of "Heaven's Ladder" and have an opportunity to spend a night with a rural Chinese family.  It promises to be an extremely testing physical challenge as we will be trekking and camping in remote and dramatic conditions.  The event, and the months of preparation, will be tough but I am doing this in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support (registered charity no 261017).

More than two million people in the UK today have had a cancer diagnosis, and more than one in three will be diagnosed at some time in their life.  As well as taking action today to support people from the moment they suspect they have cancer, Macmillan are shaping the future of cancer care.  Their increasing range of services, including macmillan nurses, doctors and other health and social care professionals, cancer care centres, a range of cancer information, practical help at home and help with money, is funded entirely through the generosity of their supporters.  Thanks to the support they receive, Macmillan provides the practical and emotional support which makes a real difference to people living with cancer today and tomorrow.

I am aware of how vital support is for cancer patients having witnessed my biological mother's battle with cancer. She lost her battle in 2006 but am eternally grateful to all those who were able to comfort her and make a difference for her in those difficult times.  I learned about this challenge and thought what a great accomplishment it would be in a "milestone" year for me.  As with many great ideas, I set out determined to complete but will then find a host of 'good' reason that it just can't be done.  I then learned that a very close friend of mine had been diagnosed with cancer.  Her strength and tenacity to beat her cancer, her zest for life, compassion for those around her - while she is the one deserving of compassion.  Her unyielding positive outlook and sense of humor through all the 'bumps in the road' have given me the courage I needed to face my fears and "DO IT!"

I have to raise a minimum of £3,300 to take part in the event, of which at least 67% (of the minimum and 100% of everything over the minimum) will benefit Macmillan Cancer Support. I hope to raise much more than this and hope that you will consider sponsoring me in my challenge, which I am aware is a very minor one compared with the challenge that cancer patients face each and every day.

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 hope to humor you all with updates of my training and preparation so watch this space.  

Thank you

x

Elise