Thanks to everyone for your support and sponsorship monies. It has been the hardest challenge I have undertaken so far but I am relieved to say I am home and well and enjoying the warmer climate - believe me - this is warm! I have never been so cold and longed for my home comforts so much. For sure, what kept me going in my darkest moments was the thought of how much love and support I have received from all my family, friends, work colleagues and even people who hardly know me, who have helped me to support Willen Hospice once again. Many, many thanks to you all.
SHEILA UPDATE 30.11.09 - this is a message relayed via a friend of Sheila's - "The trek is proving extremely tough and it's exceptionally cold, we have opted to stay in lodges rather than tent on occasions because of the cold at night." They have to pay for these lodges and that's why they are running out of money. They are walking up the run now and the terrain is very stoney and rocky and they are really nervous and wary of it. There's no doubt Sheila is finding it the most difficult and testing thing she has ever done - and she hasn't run the marathon yet!
We are all sending your our thoughts and good luck wishes Sheila. Stay safe and warm!!
NOTE FROM SHEILA 20.11.09 -" Had a really hard day today and am sitting here with 4 layers and a down jacket and have just heard it is minus24 at base camp! Annie and friends are being terrific and we have seen some awesome sights. We saw our first glimpse of Everest today which was fantastic. Food so far is very good so I don't think I will be coming back skinny . I can no longer feel my feet so I will have to stop but I am here for the next 24 hours so I would love to hear from anybody."
Keep going girl - we are all supporting you here!!
UPDATE: Early November 2009; The time has nearly arrived and my body is certainly telling me this is the case. I am training harder than I have ever done before and several times a week I am running between 15 - 20 miles with a backpack and an ipod for company. Thanks to everyone who has helped me to reach my target to date. This is so much appreciated and your generosity helps when I am having to dip deep to put on the running shoes for yet another training session. I will not be able to keep you up todate during the trekking but will endeavour to contact you again immediately I return early in December. Many thanks and kind regards to everyone for your support of both me and of course, Willen Hospice. In the meantime, if you see me out running give me a toot or spare me a thought as you drive past to spur me on for the next few miles!
The Everest Marathon will take place on 4th December 2009 and this will be without any doubt, my hardest challenge, both physically and mentally. It will require me to trek up to Everest Base Camp at 17,000 ft and run back down to around 12,000ft where the race will finish, within 12 hours of the start time. I will have to cope with high altitude and extreme temperatures along the way but I am determind to finish and reach my goal.
Your support for Willen Hospice is very much appreciated. Willen Hospice currently has annual running costs of £3.6 million of which they have to raise around £2.2 million, from charitable donations and fundraising events. Now, more than ever before, they need our financial support. As you know this has been my chosen local charity for a number of years and many people will talk of the wonderful care and help that they offer to both patients and their families. Please help me once again to support Willen Hospice.
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So please dig deep and donate now.
