What is our Challenge ?

In November 2007 we are going to run through "Death Valley" in the Nevada Desert (USA).  We will be running 160 miles in a maximum of just 8 days in temperatures of between 28-35 degrees; we hope to run six marathons in six days. Our training started before Christmas 2006 and we expect to run well over 1,000 miles each before we even get to Death Valley.

Why are we doing this ?

We have all reached the 'landmark' age of 40 and we are fortunate enough to be fit and well (at least before we do the Challenge anyway !).  We wanted to do something memorable for us - but at the same time give something to help others.

Giving to people in need

The Grand Appeal was established in 1995 to support the rebuild of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Since the hospital opened in April 2001, the Appeal has continued to fundraise exclusively for, and support and enhance the Hospital by providing much needed additional facilities, comforts and equipment to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

The Appeal seeks to enrich and enhance the quality of life of patients and to ensure access to a wide range of leisure, educational and medical facilities that cannot be funded from statutory sources. The Appeal will not fund items that are the responsibility of the NHS or other statutory body.

Our (minimum) target is £20,000

We would love to raise a lot more that £20,000; but we would be very pleased if we meet the target. Here is what the appeal said to us when we contacted them: - "It's absolutely fantastic that you are all aiming to raise money for an Intensive care Vital Signs Monitor which will cost £20,000 and be for the benefit of babies in the Neonative Intensive Care Unit (NICU) based in St Michaels.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a regional specialist centre for neonatal intensive care. The Unit cares for an average of 600 babies a year from all over the south west; particulary babies who require surgery or those who need highly specialist care following complex pregnancies and delivery. Infants who come into NICU can be 23/24 weeks premature".

A little goes a long way

The power of the internet can mean that a large number of people only have to give a small amount each but between everyone they give a lot.  Please pass this email to five (or more) people and ask them to sponsor us at least £1 (plus the gift aid tax relief).  Then ask them to send this email to five (or more) people

Ongoing News

04-2007 - A big THANK YOU to Radstock Lions Club for donating £500.00. And a further big THANK YOU fpr a further donation of £200 from Chipping Sodbury Lions Club.

06-2007 - We all ran for 5 hours each (on a treadmill) at The Galleries in Bristol; we collected £1,573 from the public. Many thanks to everyone who kindly gave a donation and a big thanks to all our family and friends who gave their time to help collect the money. Also a big THANK YOU to Simon Dix who helped organise this event and allowed us to run in the Galleries

07-2007 - Two of us (one team member could not make it) ran for a total of 6 hours (on a treadmill) at the Keynsham Music Festival; we collected £449 from the public. Many thanks to everyone who kindly gave a donation and a big thanks to all our family and friends who gave their time to help collect the money.

08-2007 - Sport Beans (from the famous manufacturers of Jelly Belly jelly beans) are proud to sponsor you on this phenomenal project. We wish you every luck and loads of portable power!   www.sportbeans.co.uk

09-2007 - A big THANK YOU to Sainsbury's (ashton gate, Bristol) in helping us raise £957 from the public.  In particular Lucy & Christine put a lot in to help us; they reckon they have a bit more £ - so we might actually pass the £1,000 mark !

09-2007 - We would lke to thank B. Portwood & Co Ltd, for providing our travel insurance at cost price.  Call 0870 0345503 or go to consett@portwood.co.uk 

09-2007 - We had a quiz, auction / raffle night; this was organised for HM Prison (Bristol) staff and friends.  We are waiting for final confirmation but we estimate we have raised more than £2,000.  Thanks to everyone; in particular Nicky Farrell & John Phillips for all the work they did.  (offline figure shown on this site is £2,000 for now - 02/10/2007). 

****The Prison service charity have matched the £2,000 we raised at the quiz / auction night******Cheque handed to "The Grand Appeal" 26-11-2007

10-2007 - A big THANK YOU to Bristol Rovers club supporters; you helped us raise £813 for our cause.  Thanks to the club managment for allowing us to collect funds from the public

How to donate

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us. The Royal Hospital For Children Bristol Appeal Limited will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax relief will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Please sponsor us as much as you can.

Darren, Mick & Mike