Story
As my friends and family you will no doubt be aware that each year I train hard for and complete a difficult physical challenge in order to raise funds for a chosen charity. Over the years I have done practically everything from 3 highest mountains in Britain (twice) in less than 24 hrs, 15 highest mountains in wales in less than 24 hrs, 24 highest mountains in the lake district in less than 24 hrs, coast to coast cycle from west England sea to east England sea in less than 24 hrs.
This year it is for something very personal. In 2008 as I wondered the lonely corridors of the Sheffield Children's hospital during a long stay after our 5 year old daughter Phoebe had just undergone emergency surgery I learned from the noticeboards that the Sheffield Children's hospital is actually supported by and is absolutely dependant on donations to its own charity - The Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.
Unfortunately 2008 was the second year in succession that we as a family had experienced this. Our first twin daughter Isobel had to undergo similar emergency surgery the year before in 2007. Fortunately for us, the nationally well respected and utilised Sheffield Children's Hospital is on our doorstep. Excellent professionals with top quality equipment were there to take care of our precious daughters through what was at both times a very traumatic experience for us as a family.
Both operations were serious, but Phoebe's in particular was very close to key arteries and nerves through the neck and up to the brain. An operation was the last resort due to the associated risks. An operation was deemed necessary, and it was performed impeccably.
So this year my challenge is for my girls, and the excellence they received during their stay, so that hopefully such a level of service will continue for the benefit of my children or anyone else's children in the future. I have uploaded a picture of my girls to this page so you can see how happy they are (Poppy at the bottom is excited and laughing, not crying! :) ).
In 2009 I will be completing two challenges, one for each daughter.
The first being the coast to coast cycle ride - 148 miles of cycle from one side of the country to the other over 3 mountainous regions - in June.
The second walking the west highland way - one side of Scotland to the other (normally done in 4-5 days) in less than 24 hours - in August.
Please, I would appreciate your support to help this excellent cause.
This year it is for something very personal. In 2008 as I wondered the lonely corridors of the Sheffield Children's hospital during a long stay after our 5 year old daughter Phoebe had just undergone emergency surgery I learned from the noticeboards that the Sheffield Children's hospital is actually supported by and is absolutely dependant on donations to its own charity - The Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.
Unfortunately 2008 was the second year in succession that we as a family had experienced this. Our first twin daughter Isobel had to undergo similar emergency surgery the year before in 2007. Fortunately for us, the nationally well respected and utilised Sheffield Children's Hospital is on our doorstep. Excellent professionals with top quality equipment were there to take care of our precious daughters through what was at both times a very traumatic experience for us as a family.
Both operations were serious, but Phoebe's in particular was very close to key arteries and nerves through the neck and up to the brain. An operation was the last resort due to the associated risks. An operation was deemed necessary, and it was performed impeccably.
So this year my challenge is for my girls, and the excellence they received during their stay, so that hopefully such a level of service will continue for the benefit of my children or anyone else's children in the future. I have uploaded a picture of my girls to this page so you can see how happy they are (Poppy at the bottom is excited and laughing, not crying! :) ).
In 2009 I will be completing two challenges, one for each daughter.
The first being the coast to coast cycle ride - 148 miles of cycle from one side of the country to the other over 3 mountainous regions - in June.
The second walking the west highland way - one side of Scotland to the other (normally done in 4-5 days) in less than 24 hours - in August.
Please, I would appreciate your support to help this excellent cause.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity 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.
So please sponsor me now!