<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p> <p>By completing a series of different events over the next few months, we are hoping to raise as much money as possible for the <strong>Transverse Myelitis Society of UK</strong>.</p> <p>Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord. The term <em>myelitis</em> refers to inflammation of the spinal cord; <em>transverse</em> simply describes the position of the inflammation, that is, across the width of the spinal cord. Attacks of inflammation can damage or destroy myelin, the fatty insulating substance that covers nerve cell fibers. This damage causes nervous system scars that interrupt communications between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body.</p> <p>Transverse Myelitis may not be a very well know condition but we really hope that we can raise as much money as possible for this worthwhile cause. The gorgeous 8 year old daughter of good friends of ours was inflicted with this terribly debilitating condition in October 2011. With hundreds of hours of hard work, together with her personal grit and determination and the support of a wonderful family,&nbsp; I am delighted to report that she is doing really well however there are many children and adults who are not as lucky and if the money we raise can help towards the research and development of improved treatment and care then it will be money very well spent.</p> <p>Our 'Spring Series' kicks of tomorrow and the schedule over the coming weeks is as follows:</p> <p>21st January&nbsp; - Caroline and Emily (age 9) will complete the Super Sprint Aquathlon (2.5km run followed by a 200m swim)</p> <p>27th January - Caroline will complete the 10km race on Dubai Marathon day</p> <p>27th January - Emily (9), Katherine (8) and Lizzie (6) will complete the 3km race on Dubai Marathon day</p> <p>3rd February&nbsp; - Ian will complete the Super Skins Olympic Distance Triathlon, Dubai (1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run)</p> <p>10th Feb - Caroline will complete the Wadi Bih 72km relay race with 4 other team members. This is a fantastic relay run up a dry river bed in the Hajar Mountains. Each runner hops in and out of our 'support' vehicle taking turns to run different legs of the race to get our team baton to the top - it should be a lot of fun!</p> <p>2nd March - Ian will complete the Abu Dhabi Triathlon (1.5km swim, 100km bike and 10km run)</p> <p>1st April - Ian wil complete the Reading Half Marathon in UK</p> <p>28th April - Our 'Spring Series' will finish as it started with Caroline and Emily completing a second Aquathlon (2.5km run and 200m swim)</p> <p>If we add any more events along the way we will keep you posted!</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p> <p>With many thanks to you all for your support of this worthy cause,</p> <p>Ian, Caroline, Emily, Katherine and Lizzie</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>