Thank you very much for taking the time to visit this webpage. Here is a bit more information about what I am going to do and why:

I will leave Durham Cathedral on the 7th August 2005 to walk over 500 miles north up the whole length of Scotland to John o'Groats. I will be camping and youth hostelling all the way, carrying everything I need (although food supplies will be frequently restocked, of course..!). I have until 9th September to complete the walk.

I have decided to do the walk in aid of 'Macmillan Cancer Relief' (Reg. Charity No: 261017) and the 'Tarahumara Children's Hospital Fund' (TCHF). For more information about the work of both charities please look at www.macmillan.org.uk and www.giveaminute.org as I do not want to misrepresent their work.

I would, however, like to explain my reasons for choosing these two charities in particular. I chose Macmillan because I, like so many of us, have known too many people who suffered from cancer. I will do this walk with them in mind. They have all influenced me in their own way, and will continue to do so.

TCHF raises money for the Tarahumara Mission in Creel, Mexico, where I spent eight months in 2004. I wish to honour Fr. Verplancken, the mission's founder, who dedicated his life to the Tarahumara people, and was a great inspiration to me when I worked with him. He too suffered from cancer and died last year. Thankfully his work is being continued by faithful supporters of the mission, in Mexico and the USA - I only wish I could be there to help too! Please sponsor me on this site to help Macmillan continue their valuable work. Donating through this site is simple and totally secure. Macmillan 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. It would be great if you could visit www.giveaminute.org to sponsor me there too. There will be updates on that site whilst I am on my walk, so you can follow my progress (as long as I get my head round downloading photos from my digital camera!!). Thank you very much for reading and for anything you may be able to give to enable Macmillan and/or TCHF to continue their much-needed work! Hattie. p.s. If you need any help to donate at this site, please ring:0845 028 6183 or email help@justgiving.com. Likewise, if you have any problems at www.giveaminute.org please let me know (07775 803 266, hatmedvei@hotmail.com).