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

I am trying to create awareness for a wonderful but not well-known charity called Back Up Trust who help transform lives for people who have suffered spinal cord injury. 

Some of you may know of my own history of spinal operations and injury. From my late teens to late twenties, I underwent several operations and at one point found myself unable to walk. It is truly terrifying to think you may never have the use of your legs again. 

Spinal cord injury can happen at any time and in the UK alone someone has a spinal cord injury every 8 hours.

This trust offers support, course, help, counselling and helps puts people's lives together after such an injury.

They are an incredibly positive team and their efforts are invaluable. 

I tried to capture the frustration and difficulties facing someone who has suffered spinal cord injury in my book Three Little Birds, by introducing Mercedes Thomson who battles bravely with life. She is an enthusiastic and positive character based on a real person and has already become loved by those who have read the book.

On 19th October, I shall be doing one of the challenges from the book - a shark dive at the very venue stated in the book - The Blue Planet Aquarium, at Ellesmere Port. Yes, I'm terrified. Yes, I am old to be diving. Yes, I would rather go naked pole-dancing than dive with sharks.

I'll also be signing copies of the book beforehand from 12:30 pm, so come along and watch me quiver. All proceeds for sales of the books and any copies of Three Little Birds sold this month will go to the charity, so please either donate here or purchase a copy of the book.

Oh, who's Wally? He is one of the famous Apex Hotel ducks that have been with me on all the challenges. If you watch the Apex Duck Movie on YouTube you'll see why Wally is coming along. 

Many thanks indeed. Your donations are all gratefully received. Every pound will help transform someone's life.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.