Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As many of you will know I have, in a moment of madness, committed to undertake a charity trek on behalf of WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals).  The trek is through the Carpathian Mountains in Romania and involves 600 metre climbs on three consecutive days, followed by a 1900 metre descent in one day topped off with a 13 mile walk the next day.  The reward for all this exertion is a final day spent at the new WSPA mountaintop sanctuary where bears rescued from captivity in tiny roadside cages outside cafes can live out their days in relative freedom, peace and safety. If you want to know more about the sanctuary we are raising money for go to

http://www.wspa.org.uk/wspaswork/bears/sanctuaries/placeofsanctuary.aspx

Most of you will realise that I'm not in great shape to undertake such a demanding physical challenge and that, in order to complete the trek I will have undertake lots of fitness training.  Look on it as me REALLY earning any donations you might be moved to make.  To this end I will try and keep this page updated with training activities undertaken so you can vicariously 'feel the burn'! 

Update 1 Been doing one 5 mile walk a week for 6 weeks now. Bit disappointed as I dont seem to be getting any faster!  Cycled 14 miles on the Woking Bikeathon as well which, having not been on a bike at all in two years, felt quite an achievement.  Did 13 miles again on Saturday which was actually lovely (also need to go faster!)  Also went on an organised walking weekend and managed 9 miles with 600 feet of climb day one and 5 miles with 700 feet of climb on day three.  600m up per day for three days seems a long way off!

Update 2 Had been getting very demoralised recently as nothing seemed to be getting any easier.  I was particularly disappointed on Sunday to do a flat five miles in the same time I had taken three weeks ago to do a hilly five miles! Then, this very morning, breakthrough.  Five (flat) miles in exactly two hours which places me at the bottom end of average pace for British adults!  Not bad for the fat, middle aged! Anyway, up to two five mile walks a week now.  Next week we start 7 miles.

Update 3 Just returned from a week at Ragdale Hall Health Spa which was bliss in the pampering department and hard work in the exercise department.  Did 6 mile walk rather than 7 but over rough terrain so it felt like more! New boots and orthotics fully bedded in now.  Need to do two 7 mile days back to back in the next two weeks to stay on target.  Getting ready for my major fundraising event on Friday 25th June.  All welcome!

Update 4.  The quiz night was fab, thankyou to everyone who attended and I hope you enjoy your raffle and auction goodies.  Managed 8 miles on two successive days this week and one day had 300m of climb - feeling quite chuffed.  Feet are a bit wrecked though.  Off to the chiropodist this week for help!

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So please dig deep and donate now.

Love Helena