Ahoy hoy!

You may recall that I’m taking part in a 200km dog sled challenge, 145km north of the Arctic Circle…cold stuff! It’s all in aid of Bone Cancer Research Trust.

I really wasn’t joking.

It may seem unlikely that I would take part in something like this trip, let alone complete it.

I am, and, I will…and if you don’t believe in me then I suggest that you put your sponsorship where your mouth is! What would you have to lose?? :)

I originally signed up for this activity following a glass or two of wine. In fairness, most of my best decision making happens whilst having a wee tipple…I tend to forget how the other decisions pan out!

Once I paid my deposit, I read a little more of what this trip would entail and I can assure you that it will be a tad more difficult than “the huskies doing all the work”. It involves running up snowy hills whilst pushing my heavy sled, containing my 15kg bag of belongings, day pack and cooking utensils! Sounds a little bit tiring... I might even have to take two sleds to accommodate my straighteners, hairdryer and other essential bits and bobs! ;)

I’m trying to come to terms with the temperature being between minus 30C and minus 50C. I can’t even contemplate it being that cold so I’m sure that’ll be a treat…! And then there is the snow; the wind; the rain; the lack of plumbing facilities; the wilderness; the snow leopards; the polar bears; chasing the dogs if I accidentally let go of the reins… Ok, there are no polar bears (touch wood!) but it does make it all sound more exciting!

Why am I doing this?? Oh yes, charity!

Cheer up! You must have realised that this part was coming!

Bone Cancer Research Trust is a really worthy cause. They all are but this one is important to me. This charity does a lot of work to provide relief to people suffering excruciating pain from a terrible disease. We all take simple things for granted. We get out of bed without any trouble, stand up straight and we can hug without having pain shoot through our bodies. I intend to keep reminding myself that no matter how cold and stiff I might feel on this trip, it’s nothing in comparison to the pain people with bone cancer experience every day. It really is a charity which needs support and your donation!

Please be warned that the above does not mean that you will avoid hearing me complain about being cold! :)

Dramatics aside, I would appreciate anything that you can spare. It may only be the price of one pint but every little helps! (Copyright Tesco!) It’s not too late to buy yourself some good Karma for 2013! It might also make a difference in someone’s life.

I will honour my previous promise and I will provide some sort of cake or beverage as a thank you…pint of water, anyone?! ;) I’m presuming that I will return safely and avoid any encounters with snow leopards!

Any money raised will be in memory of my dad, Kevin McGinty. I just want to make him proud with this…despite not having any time to do anything with my fundraising! I’m sure you would be disappointed if I ever changed… :)

I work best under pressure! Except now I have realised that I will actually be taking part in this crazy adventure in two weeks’ time and I’ve been getting palpitations that I won’t raise any money!

As I have said before, I have no problem with the old paper and pen sponsor sheet. I also don’t need to collect the cash for another month after the trip. I will gladly write down any donation that you are in a position to commit to and I will collect it at a later date.

Cheers everyone and thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Edel :)