Hi there! Thank you so much for clicking the link and visiting my fundraising page.

On Saturday 10th May, I completed the Just Walk Challenge 2008, hiking around the glorious West Sussex countryside near Goodwood.

So just why did I lace up the walking boots, strap on the backpack full of essential provisions - Mars Bars, Irn Bru and blister plasters! - and yomp 20km (that’s just over 12 miles for those of you still using Imperial!) on the hottest day of the year so far, along the South Downs Way?

Let me tell you about The Ebbisham Association …

The Ebbisham Association is a fantastic charity I’ve recently become involved with, which provides a friendship scheme to adults – both young and old – who have a lifelong learning disability and live in the Borough of Epsom & Ewell, near where I live in NE Surrey.

These people are part of the local community but find it difficult to gain experiences and opportunities to enable them to cope with everyday life situations that we take for granted. Some still live with their families, however most of the people helped by this scheme live in residential homes within the community. The lucky few have family and friends but sadly many do not have anyone at all and the charity aims to introduce these people to volunteers who can befriend them and become an important part of their world.

It’s not rocket science … a trip to the shops, a walk in the park, a cup of coffee and a chat and just knowing that they have a friend and are not alone can make a real difference to someone’s life … be they learning disabled or not.

The charity also organises a fortnightly social club at a church hall in Epsom and for many people this evening is the highlight of their week. They are able to meet residents from other homes, play games, participate in crafts, learn new skills and join in with the music group! I’ve helped at these evenings, and they’re great fun for EVERYONE who attends – clients, carers and volunteers alike!

So I reckon a few blisters and aching legs are worth it if I can raise some monies to help The Ebbisham Association continue with its excellent work within in the community ... helping to make life a little better for the Learning Disabled.

OK – I’m a bit biased here, as my Dad is the Manager of the Scheme, but The Ebbisham Association really is a super charity, with a wonderful caring team of volunteers, great people … and let’s face it, EVERYONE deserves a little happiness and fun in their lives regardless of the cards that life has dealt them!

Many thanks to everyone who has sponsored me ... and there's still time if anyone would like to support this wonderful cause & help me reach my fundraising target of £500. 

If you’d like to sponsor me, and I really hope you do, donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Ebbisham Association will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Otherwise, if you'd prefer to send me a cheque or cash, that's great too! Just email or text me and I’ll send you all the details.

With many thanks and kindest regards as ever,

Fi
xx