Well we've done it, raised over £10,000 for The Ayrshire Hospice, a great big thank you to everyone who has supported us at all our events, we really appreciate it.  Without our friends and family we would never managed this amazing figure, you are all fantastic.  Hugs from us both xxxxx

So now we have to start the serious training in the New Year.......watch this space.

Somehow Linda Galli (Daviot Guest House) has managed to persuade her neighbour Eileen Frater (Queens Guest House) to don her charity trekking boots again and this time head east to China to take on the Great Wall!  So with Eileen's experience of trekking in Peru and Borneo not forgetting dog sledging in the Artic Circle, Eileen plans to take Linda's hand and help through all the trials and tribulations of fundraising, the hard work of training for a trek and finally, when the time comes to travel to China, she'll support her every step of the way as she takes one of the biggest challenge of her life "The Great Wall of China".

So with Linda's new walking boots and bicycle bought the training begins!

Here's an update of our fundraising so far:

Selling loads of Linda's famous home-made tablet - Over £2,000 sold already!

Walk around Ayr Treasure Hunt - 23rd July 2008 - £5.00 
This event was a great success (with added benefit of sunshine), 46 treasure hunters took part, we raised a wonderful £434.  Thanks to everyone who came along and joined in the fun.

NUNS on the RUN" Charity Walk - Goat Fell, Arran - Sunday 3rd August 2008 - 18 "Nuns" took part, the sun shone for us throughout the day, spectacular views from the top, Linda led the singing at the top and we raised over £1,174 for The Ayrshire Hospice.  Wonderful fun day, thanks again to everyone who took part and a big thank you to Adam and Yvonne from Kyle Mountaineering Club who made sure we were on the right track!

Arthur Taylor - We have been honoured to receive a donation of £371.05 from the friends and family of the late Arthur Taylor, Linda's uncle,  who sadly died on 12th August -  a quote from his favourite band "Another one bites the dust".........Thank you everyone from both of us, our thoughts are with you.

Italian Dinner Night - 5th September - tickets £15

What a night we had at St. Margaret's Church Hall, Ayr; a 4 course dinner prepared by Linda & Jackson, served by our friends & family, entertainedby Paul Rossi and everything kept running to time by the very funny Magic Malky.  An amazing total of £2,000 was raised from the wonderful selection of prizes donated for the raffle, dinner tickets and all the proceeds from the bar. Thanks to everyone who came along for the dinner and all our helpers who worked their 'butts' off serving, clearing tables, washing dishes and pouring drinks!

Ski Everest 2008 - 18th October - registration £25

We had 28 intrepid skiers/snowboards taking part in this year's Ski Everest and we raised an amazing £2,581 for Cancer Research UK and £2,031 for The Ayrshire Hospice.  Many many thanks to everyone who took part and to all our friends and family who helped out on the day (counting money, selling tablet and raffle tickets and standing in -5C counting the challengers as they completed their 45 runs of the slope!!).  A great day out for everyone; a special mention goes to Scooby Doo, Superman, Wonder Woman, Bart & Lisa Simpson, and not forgetting the very scary  Bubbles on a snowboard!  See you all next year!

Race Night at Wellingtons Bar - Thursday 20th November

Thanks to everyone who turned up to support us at this event and a big thank to Mike and Nan for hosting this Race Night in aid of The Ayrshire Hospice.  We raised another amazing amount of £520 which takes us over our target of £10,000!!

Eileen & Linda's 5 day Great Wall trek will be the following:

Trek Day 1 - Their first day trekking on the wall we walk on a section of the wall that hasn't been restored. Then they'll take a path down to a reservoir, walking past rural villages to reach their campsite in a valley.

Trek Day 2 - This is a strenuous but rewarding day. They will walk along some restored sections of the wall, but with plenty of ups and downs, until they reach the Simatai section. Then take a path off the wall and walk to their campsite.

Trek Day 3 - They leave their campsite and walk over the suspension bridge, up to the 12th tower for lunch, then follow a path off the wall to the village of Gangfang.

Trek Day 4 - This day they make our way along a track scattered with stones and the remains of the ancient wall. A descent into the valley leads them to their hotel nestling on the edge of a reservoir.

Trek Day 5 - Last day of trekking takes them through forests, with occasional views of the towers on the wall. A final descent brings them to their finish line.

Please dig deep and give as much as possible to The Ayrshire Hospice, help them to go on caring for those who need it, they are heavily dependant upon voluntary contributions to enable them to continue to care to the special standards they provide and to do so at no cost to their patients of their families.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Ayrshire Hospice 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 us now!