In November 2018 I was delighted to become the Lady Captain at Wearside Golf Club.  As part of the role it is customary to choose a charity to support during your time in office and, keen to support a local organisation, I had no hesitation in choosing Grace House Children’s Charity. 

Grace House Children’s Charity offers short break and respite care packages to children and young people with complex disabilities, health needs and life limiting conditions, the  majority of whom require round the clock care. They provide a fun, safe and exciting environment where children can stay and live life to the full. Having visited Grace House personally, I have witnessed first-hand the impact it has on the local community and the lifeline it provides to many families across the North East.

As my main fundraising event I have decided to ride the Coast to Coast route from Whitehaven to Sunderland - 136 miles crossing the Pennines, including a lot of hills!!  Why choose this challenge I hear you ask? Well, I think alcohol was involved at some point. I am not a cyclist. In fact I don’t even own a bike, so to undertake this ride is a huge challenge for me. This initial hurdle (my lack of bike) was overcome by requisitioning my daughter Sarah’s bike. The second hurdle (my lack of cycling experience) was tackled by my husband Bill who, as a very keen cyclist, very quickly had a training schedule in place. I have been in the gym, taken part in spinning classes and out on training rides. I thought the love of cycling might develop over time but on a training ride from the top of Buttons Bank descending into Brancepeth (near Durham), winds gusting at 40 miles/hour almost convinced me to throw in the towel. However I didn’t give up and kept on training.  Everything is now booked for the ride. Sarah and Bill are riding with me and I hope that you will sponsor me and support Grace House. Anything you can give will go to support this fantastic charity.