Dear Everyone
Thankyou for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.
Why are we taking part in the 2009 Everest Marathon?
We decided to enter this charity race following a presentation given by Angela Mudge on her participation in the 2007 event: her photographs of Nepal and her description of one of the toughest marathons in the world were inspirational.
Having just celebrated our silver wedding anniversary, we decided we needed an even bigger challenge!
We see it as an opportunity to raise money for charities promoting health and education in rural Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world. Having both had cancer, we also see it as a chance to raise funds for Maggie's, a Scottish-based charity which runs a network of centres providing valuable support and advice for anyone affected by cancer: patients, their families, friends and carers.
The challenge
Our challenge is to complete the highest marathon in the world across some of the roughest terrain in the world - a true mountain marathon - and to raise funds for two worthwhile charities that mean much to us. We are extremely grateful for any support you are able to offer. Our funding target is £2600 (£100 per mile); which as well as raising money for two great causes will provide further motivation to keep us going when the altitude and tiredness really starts to bite.
How the charities will benefit
60% of your donations will go to the Everest Marathon Fund, 40% to Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres
The Everest Marathon Fund: the funds raised provide valuable donations to charities which already have a continuous development programme in Nepal. These organisations work at grass roots level with the involvement of local communities. The Fund currently supports the following:
- Britain-Nepal Medical Trust (sustainable supplies of essential drugs, community health and training in East Nepal)
- Nepal School Projects (school construction, vocational training, construction of health care facilities)
- WaterAid in Nepal (rural water, sanitation and hygiene programmes)
- Namche Bazaar Dental Clinic (also runs school fluoridation and education programmes)
- Nepal Leprosy Trust (leprosy hospital and clinics in South Nepal, rehabilitation and training)
- International Nepal Fellowship Tuberculosis Leprosy Project (TB and leprosy clinics and a major rehabilitation centre in Pokhara)
For more information go to http://www.everestmarathon.org.uk/everest-marathon-fund.html
Maggie's
There are currently 6 Maggie's Centres, 5 in Scotland and 1 in London,and 4 Interim Centres (1 of them in Hong Kong), with a further 4 planned, 3 in England and 1 in Barcelona.
The Centres are located close to NHS oncology centres, and so support can be provided alongside medical treatment, but in a non-clinical environment. Services are provided by a team of Cancer Support Specialists and include information about cancer, its management and treatment, benefits advice, stress management sessions, breast cancer care advice, nutrition workshops, and support groups. The Centres are open to anyone affected by cancer - there is always a very warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere.
For more information go to http://www.maggiescentres.org/maggies/maggiescentres/home/home.html
We have paid all our own costs and so all the money you donate will go directly to the charities.
Donating through JustGiving is quick, easy and totally secure. Once you donate, the money goes directly to the Everest Marathon Fund with JustGiving ensuring that 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor us now - every penny will make a difference!
Many thanks for your support.
Fiona and Bill
