Nikki and I are Mainland Great Britain’s most Southerly Guide Dog Partnership, as we live in the village of St. Keverne on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, wrapped around us by sea on three sides. Nikki is my first Guide Dog and we have been together for five sand a half years. She is a wonderful companion and has helped to give me back my life. She keeps me safe when we are out together and has enabled me to travel independently.

Guide Dogs celebrates its 80 Birthday this year and on checking Guide Dog Events, I felt that I could participate in a half marathon with all sponsorship money going to Guide Dogs who have given me so much practical help and support over the years, apart from y amazing four legged companion, and are always there at the other end of the phone if I need help or advice.

It's a New Year, and my training is beginning again. I will be doing a lot of walking as well as jogging, so that I cam complete the 13 miles on 11th March. Nikki is enjoying all the extra exercise.

This week begins the 'big push' for fund raising, and sponsorship forms and emails will be sent out to all my contacts. Please let all your contacts know what is happening in March with the Bath half marathon.

For Guide Dogs 75 celebrations, I was able to overcome a real fear of heights and made a tandem sky dive in September 2007. Not only was I able to overcome a lifelong fear, but also raise much needed funds for the on-going work of Guide Dogs. All of their income is made through fund raising and donations through the hard work of 10,000 volunteers and the amazing generosity of the public. I have been a Speaker for Guide Dogs for the past two years, going into schools, WI meetings, and where ever I am invited, to share the amazing work of Guide Dogs and how lives are changed for the better by these amazing partnerships and the ongoing commitment and ‘behind the scenes’ support Guide Dog Owners receive.

I am not a runner so the Bath half marathon will be a real challenge, but one I feel able to make and knowing that the majority of money donated goes direct to the on-going work of the Guide Dog Association, and this is one way I can use to say a very big THANK YOU for my Nikki.

The cost of a Guide Dog from birth to retirement is £48,000.00 and some Guide Dog Owners have as many as 8 dogs in their lifetime. Every penny donated is gratefully received and put to good use.

Watch this space for up dates on training.As you may have noticed in the Page Title, Iam walking and not runing now. My knees did not like the constant impact, so provided I keep moving, walking is ok. The great news is that JAN WATERS, a very dear friend of mine has offered to be my 'sighted guide' on the day.

Fund Raising is going well, and I am very grateful for the wonderful generosoty of so many in these difficult financial times. I would like to give a very big THANK YOU to Rodda's of Cornwall for their donation.

I could not do this without the unstinting help of Howard, my husvand and my beautiful Guide Dog Nikki, whomis at my side every step of the way during training. Lots have been happening this week. Both Jan and I have received our official numbers and tags from Bath Half Organisers and now Jan has also received her official tee shirt from Guide Dogs. Her training is going well but mine has ground to a halt over the last few days due to a heavy cold. Very frustrating!! The Paris Hotel, Coverack did us proud last week when Nikki's Mascotts joined them for their weekly quiz and we came third out of 13 teams. Ian, the Landlord donated a Sunday two course Carvery for two as a prize for the Lucky Pups Sweepstake and we raise £100.00 plus a generous donation of £33.50 for a prize draw. The Premeire Inn, Helston, The Maytree have also kindly donated a three course meal for two in another Lucky Pup Sweepstake, and the wonderful encouragement, generosity and interest in Guide Dogs is fantastic. THANK YOU ALL so much. WELL, THIS IS IT111 Last Thursday, I completed 11 miles in just over three and a half hours, so I now know I can do it. We set off for Bath tomorrow with the knowledge that family, friends and my local community are right behind us, so BRING IT ON. GO, GUIDE DOGS. May it be a great event for everyone taking part, and particularly for GUIDE DOGS. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND SAFE RUNNING/WALKING. THE RACE HAS BEEN RUN AND JAN AND I FINISHED in style, with an escourt of two Race Marshalls and two Polioceman!!! Because we walked the Bath Half from beginning to end (apart from the last 50 yards, we came in last but by no means leaset. The atmosphere of the race was fantastic with so much cheering, ecouragement and support all the way around the Course. I am very proud of my medal and very humbled by all the money given towards Guide Dogs. The letter, cards, emails and words of support will always be treasured. We had a wonderful time staying with our friends in Bathford and Jan was an amazing sighterd guide, keeping me safe and encouraging me every step of the Way. ALTHOUGH WE ARE ONE MONTH ON SINCE THE BATH HALF, you will see that the money is still coming in. The total raised 'off line' above also includes a rough estimate of those who gave 'gift aid. again a HUGE THANK YOU to all who sponsored and encouraged.