Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 3rd July 2022 I will be competing in my first (and probably last) Ironman triathlon. The total course consists of a 2.4mile (3.8km) swim, 112 mile (180km) bike and 26.2mile (42.km, marathon) run. Haven't done any of these distances before, let a alone back to back - but hey ho, what's life without a little challenge.

Today marks one month to go, and I thought what better way to give myself the final push and also get me round the course, that to do it for the benefit of someone else, and something so worthwhile. 

I chose Give a Duck because it's a fantastic charity making a difference all over the UK, including a link with my local children's oncology centre at Leeds General Infirmary. £25 funds a duck for a child with cancer. Can't put it better words  than they can so here's some background from their website

"Chemo Duck is fitted with medical lines and ports to mirror those of the child. Play Leaders, through play therapy use Chemo Duck to prepare children for their treatment, be it an appointment with their Consultant, administering chemotherapy or taking blood samples.

Children feel they can take back some control at a time when they have very little, for example by suggesting that nurses clean the Duck’s Hickman Line or Portacath before their own. Things are less scary if Chemo Duck experiences the treatment the children will go through and provides a relaxed way to have discussions about what will happen to them in hospital."

Every year over 1200 children benefit from these ducks, funded by donations, and the charity aims to provide them to every specialist cancer centre in the UK. 

Each duck comes with matching bandanas for the child and their duck, a Meet Chemo Duck book, a pencil case and pencils and an I'm Still Me activity book

They also provide a sibling duck, Huggable Hope, so brothers and sisters can be involved too.

Please take a look at their website for more information on what they do. https://www.giveaduck.org.uk/

These ducks help them better understand their treatment,  feel less scared about the medical procedures they have to face, and are a comfort to them at one of the most difficult times of their lives. And I'm grateful to be able to do something to support this fantastic charity. Thank you so much for any support!!

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.