Hi Everyone,   (See below for update on fundraising activity)
I've taken up an awesome challenge to ride 425 kms across Rajasthan India in December 2006 in aid of the Women for Women Appeal. Those that know me may wonder why this charity? There are 2 main reasons; 1/ to support my friend Angie Hawkins whose mum died last year of cancer and spent 10 years undergoing fertility treatment and 2/ I have got to a stage in my life when I would really like to be able to give something back.
I have never done anything like this before and really need your help to raise a MINIMUM of £2,700, which goes towards making a huge difference to many people. As you can see from the left hand side of this page, the donations really will be changing lives.
It would be helpful if all donations via my website could be given as immediate payments rather than pledges. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Women for Women Appeal 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.
So if you even if it's only a couple of pounds every bit will make a difference.
Thanks to you all for your support.
Fi

Update:

As many of you may be aware, I recently put on a gig hosting the renowned 1 Step Below on June 10th to raise money for this appeal.  I'm really pleased and totally relieved to say that the event was a huge success thanks to all those who came to the gig which raised a fabulous £515 in total.  This included San's generous bid for the auctioned flight across Wiltshire, thanks buddy.  And a huge thank you to Dominic Cross who offered a 1 hour flight in his 2 seater plane, to be auctioned at the gig.   Thanks to you all who came and also to those who were unable to make it, but still supported the event.  

August:

I have very hurty knees now, but the training is coming along.  Cycling regularly to work which is 20m there and back.... it used to take me 1 hr 12 mins and is now down to a lowest time of 43mins, but that was with lots of puffing and panting. The hills never seem to get any easier!  Did my first 50 miler the weekend before last completely on the flat and fell off my bike at the end a little like Bridget Jones off the bike trainer... if anyone's seen that!!

Getting close to the target for fund raising but every pound helps and as the money has to be in shortly, all contributions gratefully accepted.  Thanks, Fi,  x

 November

Only three days before 'lift off' and am getting quite nervous now.... Have I done enough training?... have I packed the right kit??  Oh well no going back now.   Have heard news of Fern Britton's ride who's doing the same trip but 2 weeks before ours.  Apparantly it's 4 times harder than Egypt, lots of upset tums, the potholes are horrendous and on the 2nd day they didn't finish on time and had to cycle the last part in the dark.   Whoopee Doo!!  Sounds like fun!!!!

Thanks again to all those who've supported me in this challenge.

December 06

I'VE DONE IT!!!! every last kilometer - with the last 40 odd km done with one eye as I had an eye infection!    And what an experience it was!  - a complete sensory overload of sights, smell, sounds, tastes (the dust, dirt and curry!) and feelings (especially feeling those cratered roads).  Totally exhausting but oh so worth all that training.  Thanks to everyone who's donated money to this worthy cause.

Love Fi, xx