Dear all,

I know when I sobered up after last years effort I may have said "never again" but I made a mistake! Well it was not really a mistake in fact it was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. After last years race I went to the post race reception. I got the normal photos taken, had a cup of tea and a sandwich and then met some of the kids who have been helped by the charity and have had life saving operations. It was a very humbling and altogether amazing experience and I must admit I had more than one tear in my eye. Anyway there and then I said to Margaret that I would be back again next year but I would have to think up something special to encourage people to sponsor me yet again.

However what a year 2008 has been with the Credit Crunch. I know that I will have to work even harder to get each and every one of you to commit your money to this cause so I have thought up the ultimate challenge for a 40 something man who works long hours and has a young family.

The challenge is going to be:

Monday 20th April. We will get on our bikes and over the next 6 days cycle from Edinburgh to London. We aim to arrive in London on the Friday before the marathon, have Saturday off and run the race on the Sunday. We will publish the route that we will be cycling and if anyone wanted to join us on a day then let me know. One important point to remember when you are putting your donation in the box is that cycling from Edinburgh to London is NOT DOWNHILL. This is a myth!!!

We will set off from city centre Edinburgh and there will be three of us. Last year when I went to the Alps I was accompanied by three other guys. Two of them have taken the same "silly pill" as me and are joining for this challenge. Dave Kinshott and Dave Parry are both raising money for the Lenord Cheshire charity.

This is going to be a value for money charity event and I ask each of you to dig very deep to help the charity out. I do not believe that there will be any charity opportunity in the year that will offer you as much value for money.The work done by the charity is amazing and I feel privilaged to be involved.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Children's Liver Disease Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

With thanks and kind regards,

Douglas

Offline Donations from John Pye from Reflex £250, Stratford Rugby Club £100