Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page in support of the Myrtle Ellis Fund, part of the National Brain Appeal, supporting rare dementia.

My lovely mother in law Sue, was diagnosed two years ago, aged only 57,  with PPA, a rare degenerative brain condition that effects communication.  Since then Sue's ability to talk even in simple sentences is now impossible. Every day tasks like answering a phone or asking for assistance are now huge challenges in themselves. Reading and writing as well as speaking and listening have all been massively affected. This deterioration will continue and there's no cure. As a result of this not only has Sue's life  completely changed but it has also impacted the entire family.

In spite of all of the above the way Sue has coped has been inspirational to all.

We are raising money specifically  for the Myrtle Ellis Fund (part of the National Brain Appeal) which funds a very small PPA focus group that my family have attended for support, information and  advice.  It goes without saying that their support, needs our support so here's how we intend to help.

My wonderful brother in law, Richard Edwards, has arranged and organised an impossible task for us. I'll let him explain it...

We are looking for sponsorship in return for our efforts in paddling the entire navigable section of the River Wye, in ONE day, in a Canadian canoe.   That's a staggering 103 miles of uninterrupted paddling.  We are doing this on June 21st 2013, the longest day of the year, simply because we are going to need it to be.  I'm a pretty experienced paddler and this is so far beyond what I have ever done in a day, it's almost unimaginable.  And thats why we are doing it.  Only a truly mind blowing challenge would be fitting for a cause so important and a condition so tough. This challenge pales into insignificance compared to the challenges that those with PPA and their carers face on a daily basis.

It's going to hurt, it's going to be horrible and it might be a mile or two more than we can achieve in the time we have, but we will give it everything we have for every minute and hour that we are on the water and we'd so desperately appreciate your help.

If we succeed, it will be because you, our sponsors, and all those we are doing this for.  You will have fueled every paddle stroke from Hay on Wye - Bigsweir Bridge.

Thank you so much for your time, consideration and sponsorship.