Welcome! As you know, I've decided to try and raise a bit of money for Llanberis Mountain Rescue. They're based in North Wales, a part of the world where I spend a lot of time in the mountains. I've seen the team in action, and while I never want to be in the position to have to call on them, I feel they deserve as much support as they can get: the team is made up entirely of volunteers, they're on call 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day, and will come to the aid of 75-year old Aunt Doris who's injured herself out on a hillwalk as readily as a climber who's fallen on Tryfan. The majority of their costs are met by donations and gifts from the general public.

Why Llanberis Mountain Rescue and not cancer research or any other worthwhile cause? They're hugely deserving, but many hundreds of people will be raising money for cancer and other charities in this race, and I feel it is a good chance to throw the spotlight on Mountain Rescue.

I managed to run a half marathon last year, my first, coming in at 2 hours and 7 minutes. I would like to break the two-hour barrier this year, but who knows-- just to get round will be enough! Training's going very well, and despite skidding down one of the local towpaths on my knees one morning, has been fun. I'm not a natural born long distance runner, but I enjoy the process of trying to do it. 

If you would like to donate, you'll be relieved to know it's a simple, fast and totally secure process. ANY amount will be useful, especially if Gift Aid is applied. Your details will never be sold on by JustGiving, nor will they send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Llanberis Mountain Rescue and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

The Mountain Rescue people do an amazing job, sometimes in the most appalling conditions. They're always looking for extra funds, so please consider sponsoring me .... it'll be money well used.

There are some pictures on the left for inspiration. 

I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers! 

Tisi

PS If you'd like to find out more about the Llanberis team, please go to http://www.llanberismountainrescue.co.uk/English/LLMRT%20HomePage.html or you can check out the general Mountain Rescue England and Wales site at http://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/ .