Hello generous supporters.

 

I'm here to pester you for your money again.  Given where it's going, I'm not sorry. 

I am undertaking the Capgemini Wild UK Challenge in which 5 of us have to haul ourselves across over 100 miles of rugged West Country terrain.  The event consists of cycling 55 miles, running/hiking 37 miles, kayaking 9 miles and a sea swim for good measure.  The purpose is to raise funds for The Prince's Trust.

 

The Team

 

A team was sought for their endurance, stamina and ability to cope in the natural environment.  However, no one matching those criteria was available so the only people left were:

 

Catherine Grundy * (aka "Panther") – for her dedication in both the cycling and running disciplines (and because she’s not frightened to get her nails dirty);

Me *  (aka "The Blade") – you know about me, it's not pretty;

Mike Cottell  (aka "Ace") – with a sense of direction the Italian Army would kill for, he has promised to make the Challenge significantly more scenic than that of the other competitors;         

Doug Heard (aka "Champ") – the token jester and the only one with experience of riding a bicycle without stabilisers (although at the time of going to press that still remained an unconfirmed rumour);

Giancarlo Di Santo *  (aka "Tiger") – the linguist in the group.  Proficient in French, Italian, German and Spanish, he is currently learning Devonian.  Not one to turn to for navigation, unless the question is “how did we get into this mess?”; and

Leah Couch (aka "Rogue") – as administrator and, thanks to her vast kayaking experience, our only hope not to finish up the creek without a paddle.

 

The Prince's Trust

 

Each team member needs to raise £800 in sponsorship (or £4,800 collectively).  This money goes towards The Prince's Trust in assisting young people to turn their lives around as part of the Trust's 12-week self development programme.  This programme is aimed at providing young people with the skills they would need to enter education, training or the workplace.  Many of these people have found success in their new career paths and hugely value the support The Prince's Trust provides. 

 

A note from the team

 

"We are immensely excited about taking on such a challenging task, if a little daunted given our current levels of fitness.  However, we're sure that our beloved four-month training schedule should see us through.  We are truly grateful for your support so please give generously.  We would also appreciate it if you could not remark on how rough we will all look on the Monday following the challenge."

 

Many thanks again for your support

 

Allen

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Prince's Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid and a supplement (about 25%) can be added to your donation.

PLEASE NOTE Just Giving takes 5% of a donation which includes Gift Aid in most circumstances - click here to find out more about this.  Also please note that it's a right pain to claim Gift Aid if you don't want to do it through this Just Giving website.  If you would prefer to sponsor me 'offline' however, please let me know.