Hi there

Well, I have given myself a fitness focus - to walk from Lancaster to Carlisle  to experience, as far as is possible, the walk undertaken by the poet John Keats and his friend Charles Brown in the summer of 1818. I need a fair time to get fit, as I am just about at sluggish as possible after my treatment finished in April. So 2008 is the big year. My husband Peter  will support me some of the way, but I will be calling on friends and relations to help out so volunteers welcome! (Someone has to check I don't get on the bus!)

I am being sponsored for both the Lymphoedema Support Network and for St Margaret's Hospice Somerset. This is the site for donations to the Hospice. If you would prefer to donate to the Hospice, please go to www.justgiving.com/keatswalk

Lymphoedema is a condition of the lymphatic system (vital to the body's  immune response) that is both disabling and which can cause potentially life-threatening infections, yet it gets very little publicity. Lymphoedema can be both primary - that is being born with it whether it develops at birth or later, and secondary which frequently affects those recovering from breast cancer and others who have had invasive surgery. Others develop it following something as simple as an insect bite. I have primary lymphoedema and following the breast cancer treatment I am now vulnerable to the secondary type as well. This made my choice of charity even more critical -  St Margaret's Hospice is where we in Somerset are lucky enough to receive our treatment from Ali our fantastic nurse, and the LSN does not enjoy the high profile of many other charities but manages a considerable influence despite its small size.

I will be visiting this site regularly to update on progress.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St Margarets Somerset Hospice 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 please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.