Well, we are back now and yes, it was a trip of a lifetime. The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of the world and so little that I can write here can reflect the majesty and inspiration of the Canyon. We paddled 225 miles, initially on crystal clear blue water then silty, red water when the Little Colorado flooded. It was a long way and we often had sore necks, backs and shoulders but every moment was worth it. The rapids were big, but mostly fairly benign although quick eskimo rolls were sometimes needed!
I want to give a huge thank you to all of those who sponsored me. I know that the money is going to such a worthwhile cause. On behalf of SNAC and all the children and parents who will benefit from your generosity - thanks!
Did you know that children can get arthritis? Most people think of arthritis as something that comes in old age but for some children it can start as young as a few months old. The reasons are not clear but their joints start to swell up, become painful and lose function. It can involve just one joint or almost all. In some children it can be associated with eye inflammation that can result in blindness and in others it can involve other organs. If untreated all children will develop some degree of damage or disability. So recognising the signs and getting the child to see a specialist is incredibly important. I see these children in our Paediatric Rheumatology Clinic and I know how much support the parents and children require. I wanted therefore to raise money for SNAC, a new charity dedicated to supporting the children and their families.
This September, my husband Gary and I are kayaking the Grand Canyon with some of our friends. It will take 15 days of wilderness kayaking with no support except for the rafts who carry our food, bedding, clothing etc. The River Colorado is well known for its huge rapids and waves and I just hope to get down without being upside down too often.
I hope that you will feel that I am doing something worthwhile and can give a little to this charity who are doing loads for those children who are unfortunate to start off in life with arthritis.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my 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 - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
