Raised: 33%
Target: £2,000.00
Raised so far: £668.82
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My story

 

Well, it's the big one.... the biggest challenge of my life ! This is something I must try to do in my lifetime. And something told me this is the year !

An Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike and a 26.2 miles run (a marathon!). Oh yeah, and all within 17 hours !

My aim during the past 20 weeks and in the 10 weeks to come, is to get to the start line with all of the training under my belt. That alone has required discipline like never before.  From that point on, my aim is to finish.... and that my friend, is my challenge. As one of the Ironman books says; 'be humble and you can crack the distance; be arrogant and above your ability, and it will eat you alive, spit you out on the run and leave you puking your guts out by the roadside'.

........So I go there humble (and ever so slightly scared!).

Friends and family have been so supportive and encouraging since this project began last summer. And for that I thank you so much. However, I have one more 'ask', and that is for you to please help me raise money for my chosen charity.

It will come as no surprise to you that this is an animal charity. It is called 'The Retreat' and is based in North West Kent. This organisation is entirely voluntary and is a not-for-profit organisation. I know we often laugh at the things I feel compelled to do in the name of animals, but what The Retreat do is serious stuff.

The Retreat do so much good work, to a huge range of animals homing and helping dogs, cats, horses, hens, chickens, sheep, cows and many more. I have been there and seen 1,000 rescued ex-battery chickens, waiting for rehoming. It truly is amazing to see all the animals being given a second chance. If you would like to find out more, please look up  http://retreatanimalrescue.org.uk

Here are a few stories from their newsletter;

Dawson, a deaf Boxer, was a long term resident at a  dogs home after he had randomly bitten people. He was due to be put to sleep. The staff at the kennels hoped they could find a sanctuary where he could live out the rest of his life and thankfully they found out about the Retreat. Dawson now lives happily with our other dogs.

A man asked if we could rehome an old cat (Doyle) that his girlfriend had rescued from a vets. Doyle was due to be killed that day because no place could be found within a rescue home. Doyle is over 15 years old and is just happy to have a quiet place to sleep and eat. Doyle will be looking for a quiet indoor home.

Ben is a lovely nine year old bay gelding came to the Retreat after he had been stamped “Loss of Use” by an insurance company, as he was no longer rideable. A horse is stamped “Loss of Use” when an insurance claim has been made for the value of the horse following injury or ill health. The horse is branded with an “encircled L” symbol to prevent the owner selling the horse on after the claim in an attempt to make a profit. This is similar to a car being written off following a motor insurance claim. Ben will now spend the rest of his happy long life as an unrideable horse grazing in our herd.

In the mean time, I continue to train in the hope of achieving a lifetime goal. Thank you again to all of you who are supporting me with this. In particular, Nige, Doreen and Bill A.K.A Mum and Dad ! (as Abba said , and as is always the case; "Somewhere in The Crowd Theres You"), Kristy (for looking after the animals when Im away, and for encouraging me) ,  Mike Burgoyne (for the training plan, homework feedback and hard talking !), 'Guru' (Kev Perkins), Alex Tyrell (for all the tri gear on loan !), Jo and Matt for coming to support. And as ever, Grandad, whose always in my thoughts; encouraging and shouting "Come On Me Ol' Darlin" as you always did.

Well done Carrie - You certainly deserved success after sticking with 30 weeks of hard training Donation by Michael Burgoyne 04/08/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done C - you are a true Bat Out Of Hell Am very proud of you! Jo x Donation by Jo Rafter 21/07/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Well done again Carrie. Always knew you'd do it. Look forward to the hearing about the next challenge!! Donation by Jo and Matt 19/07/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Well Done !! Donation by Karen Bassett 14/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Cracking job apprentice! Donation by karen sanderson 12/07/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Well done Cari (and a very worthy cause). Donation by Chelsea Restall 10/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Well done ! Only you could chat on the phone all relaxed, seconds after crossing the line ! Jake thinks his Auntie Barry is now a super hero !! Donation by The Humbugs 06/07/09  

£21.00 + £5.92 Gift Aid

Donation by Jakki & Ron 06/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Carrie from us both xx Donation by Denise 26/06/09  

£10.00

Donation by Dean Osborn 25/06/09  

£10.00

Not long now Carrie! Just wanted to say what an amazing thing you're doing! Good luck and can't wait to hear how you get on! Donation by Jane Crawley 24/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done Carrie we know how hard you have trained for this. Good luck on the day its for a worthy cause. Lots of love, mum and dad xx Donation by Bill and Doreen Hague 21/06/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Best of luck although after 30 weeks of training I am sure luck won't come into it. Donation by Mark Grady 18/06/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Guess I should start making my bat costume! Excellent charity choice. Good luck & enjoy (???!!!) xx Donation by Sam Mundy 18/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Phew!!!!!!!!!! Donation by Mary Kemp 18/06/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

I was going to do it myself but have to look after the children that day!! Donation by John McBride 18/06/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck Carrie, look forward to hearing all about it when you get back.....Vantis Receptionist!. Donation by Donna Rogers 17/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

If you could pick me up a pizza on the way round, that would be good! I hope all goes well. Donation by Bob Warren 17/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I am full of admiration. Enjoy. Donation by Maureen Olrod 17/06/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good luck and er enjoy it!! Donation by Andy Carey 17/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Carrie. Donation by Sandra Cracknell 17/06/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

sorry for late response, have you completed? Donation by ricky stevens 15/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Go Carrie! You can do it! :-) Donation by Matt, Colette, and Joseph 10/06/09  

£10.00

I can't wait till this is all over and I don't have to hear about it anymore! haha. I know you'll do it :) Donation by Lyndsey (The lodger) 06/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Also look forward to seeing you on July 11th! Good luck :) Donation by Marc West 01/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck! Go for it! Look forward to seeing you on July 11 Donation by Nick Cook 28/05/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Carrie. All the training will pay off on the big day. You will do it and it will be a fantastic achievement. Donation by Tony (Formerly IM 5) 27/05/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

You Go Girl! xx Donation by Clare Gillett 27/05/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Go for it Carrie! Donation by Robin 26/05/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Exactly what was in my pocket, oh and still is Donation by Paul Wilson 26/05/09  

£12.82 + £3.62 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £668.82
  Offline donations: £0.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £180.18

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Find out how much it is and what we do for it.