Dear friends, family, clients, colleagues and friends of friends!! 

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to visit my page.  Yes, my sister and I are raising money for charity and  we'd like to ask all of you to spare two minutes from your day and read on a bit further.

 

For as long as I can remember I've always really admired my older cousin Gillian.  She is one of the nicest, caring people I know and also did her bit for charity.

In the past she raised several thousand pounds for Cancer Research and Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.  To raise the funds she would dive out of planes, abseil, sail and hot-air balloon just to name a few...

 

Ten years ago her life changed forever.  A tear in her carotid artery (which provide the main blood/oxygen supply to the brain) caused a severe stroke.  She was just 27.  

The following 9 months were spent in hospital where Gillian had to learn to speak, read and write again and to start the slow rehabilitation process - which has lasted years.

 

I have so much admiration and respect for Gillian today.  The strength, determination and courage she has demonstrated after suffering from stroke is mind blowing.  Beyond my understanding and capabilities. 

 

Whilst visiting Gillian over Christmas we spoke about the stroke, the rehabilitation and her recovery.  I was moved and inspired to take on board the challenge of raising money for a charity of her choice - Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

Our challenge is to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon on May 22nd.  let you into a small secret of mine - I don't run and I haven't exercised since I was 17.  

We're certain that we'll feel the burn of running these 13 miles, but PLEASE, PLEASE help me raise my fundraising target for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

PLEASE give what you can!!

And a massive THANK YOU from Gillian, Lynn and I.