As some of you may know, my parents set up this charity, the Myositis Support Group, in 1985 after my elder sister was diagnosed with a form of this rare muscle illness. She was only five years old. 

Throughout my life I have witnessed the hard work and long hours  that my parents have put into this charity. I have seen how it has provided a critical support line for other Myositis sufferers and I have seen it invest in life-changing clinical research. I have also seen my sister's health peak and plummet - in and out of hospital for years and years. My parents' dedication and my sister's resilience through the highs and lows have been an inspiration for me. 

Although I have always sought to 'chip in' with the charity - from as young as four I used to beg to help stick address labels on envelopes and stack up the Christmas card orders - with your help, I would like to make a real contribution. In the past I have fundraised for various international charities, but now I am raising money a little bit closer to home.

On bank holiday Monday (27th May) I will be abseiling 100m down the side of Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower. Please sonsor me for this event. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. This is a small charity often lost in the depths of the third sector but its work is both important and inspirational.

Thank you for your support.