Hi Everyone,

Hopefully you're all now aware that I am attempting my first triathlon on the 4th July 2009. The aim is to complete a 400m open water swim, a 20k bike ride and a 5k run all in one go - I must be mad!

Anyway, the reason I've taken on this challenge is to raise as much money as possible for a local charity very close to my heart, the Riding for Disabled Association in Muirfield.

The RDA is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through the provision of opportunities for riding and carriage driving. Groups enable people to improve their health and wellbeing, delivering a real and lasting therapy that not only benefits mobility and co-ordination, but encourages confidence and self worth whilst having fun.

As many of you will know my family have recently witnessed first hand the difference this charity can make. For those of you who don't know, my cousin Vicky suffered from a severe head injury following a car accident in 2007 and was left in a coma for months. She has made a massive amount of progress since then with physio and sheer determination. However, she has also been regularly attending riding classes at Muirfield and I am certain that a large part of her progress can be attributed to these riding sessions.

I would be extremely grateful for any pennies that you can spare. The Muirfield RDA are currently fundraising for specific improvements to and expansion of the facilities and I can guarantee that your money would be well spent.

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. This is my way of trying to give something back to the charity that has made such a difference to my family, especially my truly inspirational cousin Vicky.

Thank you.