Hello

Firstly, may we thank you for taking the time to read about our fundraising event for Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital.

Let me explain why myself and four  friends are going to complete a very challenging 10 day trek up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,896m to summit) in August 2008.

Two very close friends of ours gave birth to their beautiful baby boy, Jack, on 15th Aug 2007. Both mother and baby were doing well until Jack became very ill. He was quickly transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital where he was diagnosed as having a very rare and irreversible gene disorder.  Jack passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his mother and father 3 days after his birth on the 18th Aug 2007.

This is obviously only a very brief outline of the three days of Jack's life and the utter helplessness that most of us can only imagine of what Anna and Stu went through in those few days. We could also write pages on the exceptional help Jack, Anna and Stu received, and still continue to receive, from this truly remarkable hospital and it's dedicated staff.

Every year GOSH  needs to raise £50 million through charitable donations. Whilst the NHS meets the day to day running costs of the hospital, the fundraising income allows GOSH to remain the best in the world for child healthcare. Without it they would not be able to offer the specialist treatments and services and to have the buildings and paediatric equipment that they need. They would also not be able to continue the level of pioneering research into children's disease's and genetic disorders, such as Jack's,  that has led to so many new advances for children. 

This trip is therefore looking  to raise much needed funds for the wonderful Hospital of Great Ormond Street, where Jack, Anna, Stu and thousands of other children and their families receive the best care and support in the world by the best staff in the world. We also dedicate this trip to the memory of beautiful Jack.

Please please please dig deep and sponsor us online here at www.justgiving.com/jacks-trek  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSHCC) will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

We would like to thank the Abbey Rogues tribute band for helping us put on a great charity night at Maldon Football club and also to all the people who helped make the night a great success and raising another 3500 towards the target.

 


So please please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.