Thanks for visiting my 3 Peaks fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me in support of Endometriosis UK, the leading national charity supporting women with endometriosis.
Five years ago I celebrated my 55 birthday on the way up Kilimanjaro with a group of truly remarkable women. Altogether the team raised an amazing £45,000 towards the work of this small charity (with which I have since been closely involved). You can read my account of what proved to be a memorable and moving experience at http://www.longvista.co.uk/kilimanjaro.htm
This year I qualified for my bus pass, and to mark my 60 birthday Carol Pearson invited me to join her and 7 other team members in attempting the 3 Peaks Challenge. This will involve the whole team climbing the highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland – Snowdon (3,560ft), Scafell Pike (3,210ft) and Ben Nevis (4,400ft) – all in under 36 hours. A total of 32 miles of trekking and over 11,000 feet of climbing (not to mention 10 hours curled up on the bus). And all wearing pink knickers! 'Why?' I hear you ask...
The reason I'm doing this (apart from being mad) is as compelling today as it was when I climbed Kilimanjaro 5 years ago. Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects nearly 1 in 10 women. Its cause is unknown and at present there is no cure. Endometriosis is as common as diabetes and yet many people have never heard of it. Almost 2 million women in the UK are affected and, on average, it takes a staggering 11 years to diagnose.
Women with endometriosis deserve a much better deal. There is a real need to improve current levels of knowledge, awareness and support. Endometriosis UK gives women much needed help and information, as well as a national voice to their needs and concerns. You can read more about their work at www.endometriosis-uk.org
Please help us to get a better deal for women with endometriosis by making a donation now. Your contribution, whatever the amount, will make a real difference to the vital work of this small charity facing such a huge task. I'm funding the cost of the trip myself, so every penny you give will count.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s the most efficient way to sponsor me: Endometriosis UK 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.
Many thanks for your support. And a big thank you to Guilt Lingerie in Petworth (www.guiltlingerie.com) for helping me out with the pink pants!
