So, you're probably reading this thinking it's another request to support Edinburgh Global Partnerships (EGP), but it is NOT... So, please keep on reading to find out more about the challenge in store and the cause being supported...

I am raising money for Lymphoma Association, the only specialist UK charity that provides accurate information and emotional support to lymphatic cancer patients, their families, friends and carers. There are many cancer support/research charities out there that do some great work, but I have chosen to raise money for Lymphoma Association as a smaller (and as much in need of support) charitable organisation specifically aimed at supporting those affected by lymphatic cancers, Non-Hodgkins and Hodgkins lymphomas.

Many people every year are affected by lymphatic cancer, and recently Hodgkins Lymphoma has affected a good friend of mine, making it a realisation that these things can happen to your nearest and dearest. For these reasons I have chosen to support Lymphoma Association, as a gesture of support to him, his friends and family and to raise awareness of lymphomas and that great work of Lymphoma Association.

On Saturday 20th March 2010, I am taking on The Mighty Deerstalker challenge. This is a running race over 10km (though when actually mapped out is about 13-16km!) of muddy cross country paths, up and down steep and rocky hills, under cargo nets, through rivers, and over obstacles including the Glentress V trail. To top it off, the race starts near dusk and so the later half of the race is done in the dark navigating my way through the tough terrain by the light of a headtorch! Oh, and I'll be wearing fancy dress... It can take the elite just 1.5 hours and mere mortals up to 4 hours (of which I think I may be one!). To find out more about what the race entails check out http://www.themightydeerstalker.com/

So, please donate what you can to this cause (http://www.lymphomas.org.uk/).

£5 can enable Lymphoma Association to set up a "Buddy Link"- a link via telephone or email from a patient/relative/friend/carer to their Buddy.

£400 (my target) can pay for the running of a Lymphoma Association Support Group made up of individuals who are, or have been, affected in some way by lymphoma: whether patient, family member, friend or carer.

All your support towards this cause will be a great incentive to make sure I complete the course, and hopefully do it in as 'Mighty' a way as I know my friend would approach it and just in the way he is fighting off the Hodgkins with every dose :) Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for all your support!

Claire x