Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The moment of truth has arrived and the Sahara calls on Thursday. Training has reached the tapering stage. Not sure what that means exactly, something about resting a bit. Which is nice.(see photographic evidence left). So just a few more burpees and some actual full press ups and that's it.Kit checked. Nasty injections done.  So thanks to all who've donated so generously and for all the support and encouragement. Next stop, sun, sand and no showers. Yum.

Something to say about the Justgiving thing. Donating is simple and secure. Your details are safe – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and Gift Aid is reclaimed automatically on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

So why a trek in the desert? It's a question I have often asked myself. I decided 2010 would be a fresh start; do things differently or maybe just do different things. So without realising that within a very few months I would be changing jobs too (just to prove you should be careful what you wish for!) I signed up for the Stomp, a trek in the desert in incredible heat, with smelly camels, sandflies and to cap it all no showers and no toilets (and no trees or bushes to hide behind). And worse, no red wine, or booze of any sort. Was I mad? Possibly. But I promised myself to say yes to stuff, so here I am. And more importantly, raising money for an amazing local children's charity, The Children's Adventure Farm Trust.(It's one of those that makes you cry if you watch the video!)

Here's the self righteous preachy bit. One of my bugbears about these types of things is that not all the sponsorship target ends up as profit that goes straight to the charity. I don't think that people should part with their hard earned cash in order for me to sleep under the desert skies. So I am contributing all the costs of my trip. That means that every penny you give (plus the amount that gets claimed back as Gift aid, another £2.80 or so for every £10) will go directly to the Farm for the benefit of the children. So please dig deep, even the cost of a coffee or a few beers would help (I refuse to quote that supermarket giant, but you know what I mean!). Thank you. And if you want to know more about the charity, read on.

 

More about the Children's Adventure Farm Trust (www.childrensadventurefarm.org)

Based around a beautiful 17th century farmhouse, in the heart of Cheshire countryside, the Charity offers free adventure breaks and activities to children disadvantaged by illness, disability and poverty. The Adventure Farm Trust aims to re-build the self confidence and improve the lives of disabled, terminally ill and disadvantaged children. Getting the children involved in activities they may have never before attempted, shows them just how capable, talented and worthwhile they are, and how they have as much right to success and happiness as any of their peers. The Farm experience gives the children memories of childhood that most of us take for granted; memories of fun, laughter and friendship which they can treasure in their darkest times.

 

Each year the Adventure Farm helps 3,000 children aged 4 to 16, coming from all over the North West, with people coming from Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, North Wales and Derbyshire.

 

Approximately 60% of these children have physical disabilities, including many with sensory impairments, mobility problems and brain injuries. 40% of CAFT’s users have learning disabilities or behavioural problems, such as Autism, Downs Syndrome or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is often the case that the children staying will have both physical and learning disabilities. They regularly see children with physical injuries; others have chronic, life-limiting and terminal illnesses. Some children are carers for members of their own family who have disabilities or, problems with alcohol and drugs. Others are living with their mothers in women's refuges, having experienced or witnessed terrible abuse.

 

Each year, CAFT must raise £750,000 in order that they can continue to fulfil their promise to these children. The Adventure Farm is funded entirely by voluntary contributions, it does not receive any statutory funding. So that's why every penny counts.