Joanna Winterton
Joanna Winterton's Fundraising Page
Fundraising for Help for Heroes
Story
Thanks for visiting my fundraising page, and if you have a moment, please look at the Help for Heroes website at www.helpforheroes.org.uk for the most up to date information on how much the charity has raised and how the money is being spent.
23rd September, 2009
Arrived home from Peru on Sunday having successfully completed the trek. I have had the most amazing 10 days of my life and met some great people. The real highlight was not visiting Machu Pichu, as I expected, but having the privilege of seeing the lives of real Peruvians in a remote valley off the well known Inca Trail. We even received a lesson in the local language, and sang songs with local children. The trek was challenging, but I was fine. We walked to 4,400m and camped at 4,200. I have come back with so much more confidence in what I am capable of, and now I really appreciate the value of the Battleback programme (look at the Help for Heroes website if you don't know what I'm talking about).
Huge thanks again to everyone who has supported and sponsored me, and if you have ever wondered about doing something like this yourself - just go for it!
10th September, 2009
Well departure day has finally arrived and I still can't quite believe I am really going, but I have so many sponsors I really can't back out now. 3 children are back at school, 2 uni students are still at home and Robert may have to cook his own bacon this weekend!.
Six weeks ago my much loved walking boots split and had to be replaced, which I could have done without at that stage, but at least it wasn't one week before! I managed to break in new ones by walking round Bolt Head in Devon.
The deep freeze is bulging and I hope I haven't forgotten anything. Huge thanks again to everyone who has sponsored me.
July 2009
With only 2 months to go now, I thought it was time I updated the page again. Training is continuing, and it's a bit easier to stick to the routine now that everyone has broken up from school, etc. I have stepped up the pace a bit, so the bike now comes out on a regular basis as well, and spurred on by thoughts of what's going on in Afghanistan at the moment. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery in Devon. I've also found a great sleeping mat to take to Peru so hopefully I've solved my greatest challenge which is sleeping in a tent! My next job is to fill up the freezer for the blokes I'm leaving behind.
April 2009
Well I have finally updated the photo. Training is going well and so is the fundraising. Several H4H events over the summer, so thanks to everyone who is helping with those.
January 2009
First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far.
This is my first update to this page. So many people have been so generous and I don't want you to think I am just sitting at home watching the money mount up.
Christmas hols are now well and truly over and I no longer have to spend hours in the kitchen every day cooking. So I have been out every day - my dogs will vouch for me! I will update the photo as soon as the weather is warm enough to take a photo in my H4H t-shirt.
October 2008
In September 2009 I will trek to Macchu Picchu and hopefully raise lots of money for Help for Heroes. This charity is very close to my heart as I have several friends and family in the Armed Forces and my son Alex has just joined the TA. In addition, I am increasingly watching the friends of my children, boys I have known since they were wearing shorts, putting their lives on the line for us and joining up.
The trek is something I have wanted to do for a long time, so when the opportunity arose, my wonderful and supportive husband agreed that I should go for it. His support will be put to the test when he has to cook his own supper for 10 days! By pledging to raise some money I can't back out!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Help for Heroes 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.
I hope I can count on you and thank you in advance for helping to make a difference.
23rd September, 2009
Arrived home from Peru on Sunday having successfully completed the trek. I have had the most amazing 10 days of my life and met some great people. The real highlight was not visiting Machu Pichu, as I expected, but having the privilege of seeing the lives of real Peruvians in a remote valley off the well known Inca Trail. We even received a lesson in the local language, and sang songs with local children. The trek was challenging, but I was fine. We walked to 4,400m and camped at 4,200. I have come back with so much more confidence in what I am capable of, and now I really appreciate the value of the Battleback programme (look at the Help for Heroes website if you don't know what I'm talking about).
Huge thanks again to everyone who has supported and sponsored me, and if you have ever wondered about doing something like this yourself - just go for it!
10th September, 2009
Well departure day has finally arrived and I still can't quite believe I am really going, but I have so many sponsors I really can't back out now. 3 children are back at school, 2 uni students are still at home and Robert may have to cook his own bacon this weekend!.
Six weeks ago my much loved walking boots split and had to be replaced, which I could have done without at that stage, but at least it wasn't one week before! I managed to break in new ones by walking round Bolt Head in Devon.
The deep freeze is bulging and I hope I haven't forgotten anything. Huge thanks again to everyone who has sponsored me.
July 2009
With only 2 months to go now, I thought it was time I updated the page again. Training is continuing, and it's a bit easier to stick to the routine now that everyone has broken up from school, etc. I have stepped up the pace a bit, so the bike now comes out on a regular basis as well, and spurred on by thoughts of what's going on in Afghanistan at the moment. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery in Devon. I've also found a great sleeping mat to take to Peru so hopefully I've solved my greatest challenge which is sleeping in a tent! My next job is to fill up the freezer for the blokes I'm leaving behind.
April 2009
Well I have finally updated the photo. Training is going well and so is the fundraising. Several H4H events over the summer, so thanks to everyone who is helping with those.
January 2009
First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far.
This is my first update to this page. So many people have been so generous and I don't want you to think I am just sitting at home watching the money mount up.
Christmas hols are now well and truly over and I no longer have to spend hours in the kitchen every day cooking. So I have been out every day - my dogs will vouch for me! I will update the photo as soon as the weather is warm enough to take a photo in my H4H t-shirt.
October 2008
In September 2009 I will trek to Macchu Picchu and hopefully raise lots of money for Help for Heroes. This charity is very close to my heart as I have several friends and family in the Armed Forces and my son Alex has just joined the TA. In addition, I am increasingly watching the friends of my children, boys I have known since they were wearing shorts, putting their lives on the line for us and joining up.
The trek is something I have wanted to do for a long time, so when the opportunity arose, my wonderful and supportive husband agreed that I should go for it. His support will be put to the test when he has to cook his own supper for 10 days! By pledging to raise some money I can't back out!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Help for Heroes 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.
I hope I can count on you and thank you in advance for helping to make a difference.