Thanks for checking out my JustGiving page. I've taken on the challenge of trekking the Great Wall of China and heaps of other fundraising activities to raise vital funds for the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Southampton.

Not only will this challenge push me to my physical limits and immerse me in a rich and historic culture, but it will allow me to pay something back to a ward that saved my Sister's life.

On Christmas Day 2008, my big sister (and best friend) was struck down by four cardiac arrests. She was not unhealthy. We had no prior occurrences of Cardiac illness in our family. And it was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced in my life. I will never forget it.

Lara was taken to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Southampton where we were told she was unlikely to come out of her coma. She was the age I am now - as a sister, nothing can prepare you for the prospect of losing one of the most important people in the world to you in that way. 

But thanks to the incredible work of the Cardiac ICU team (and Lara's fighting spirit!) she came out of the coma 6 days later and left the unit on the 7th day. She was fitted with an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) inside her chest and eventually came home.

I will forever be in debt to all the members of staff involved in Lara's recovery (not forgetting the incredible first response team!): I now even have the pleasure of working as a fundraiser for Southampton Hospital Charity, working every day to raise crucial funds for large scale appeals that will change the lives of individuals and their families that find themselves stepping through those hospital doors. 

For the next year, however, my personal endeavour is to raise at least £3000 for Southampton Cardiac department. It may be a small drop in the ocean, but it is a drop nonetheless.

Please support my journey - I will be updating this page with other events I am taking part in the year leading up to my 9 day trek (eek!).

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

(FYI!! You can also make a quick and easy donation by texting AMBY58 plus the amount to 70070)

UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

☆ Christmas Cake Sale at University Hospital Southampton: December 5

☆ Christmas Charity Quiz at The Saints Pub Southampton: December 7

☆ Curry and Quiz at The Saints: April 6

☆ Cake Sale at University Hospital Southampton: June 12

☆ Summer at The Saints Band Extravaganza: June 24

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.