Thank you for visiting our fundraising page.

This year is the 20th anniversary that my "big sis" said her goodbyes. Karen was truly special.....beautiful, loving, funny, caring, sharing and courageous. Karen suffered from Kidney failure for many years, she had to do dialysis several times a day, had many operations, lived on meds....but where possible she didn't let her illness stop her living a full life. She went to college and studied Art and Photography, she loved music and was a hospital DJ, she liked hanging out with friends, passed her driving test (first time), she just wanted to live a normal life. She was amazing. The bravest person I have ever known. She was 27 years old.

One of Karen's wishes was to help fund research into Kidney Disease,  to help improve the quality of lives for other Kidney patients in the hope that they might not have to suffer like she did. Even then she was thinking of others.

Where do the years go? For me, I don't think you ever get over the loss of someone close.....it just gets easier to live with.  

As some of you may know, on occasion I take up a challenge in Karen's memory to raise money for Kidney Research UK. It has been a while but this year I am doing my biggest challenge to date. This year I have entered the Rat Race Coast to Coast. I am crossing Scotland from the East Coast to the West...105 miles of running, road bike, mountain bike and kayak....in two days! Camping overnight! It finishes with a half marathon!! It's supposed to be a challenge right! I am sure it will be....every mile. Eek!

If you would like to check out how tough this race is, please check out the link below:

www.ratrace.com/coasttocoast/

I am very grateful to Dafydd Williams who has agreed (with no coercion ;-)  ) to be my partner in crime for this race and keep me company while trying not to get lost in the Scottish Highlands :-) Yay, "Y Dreigiau Gwyllt" (The Wild Dragons for those of you who don't speak Welsh :-) )

Your support and donations will be very much appreciated.

I would also like to thank my training, motivation and support team so far....Karen Shipton, Mum and Dad, Benjamin Lilley, Bid Webb, Dafydd Williams, Mark Birch, Nicola Jasieniecka, Emma Warren-Stygall, Caio Mostyn-Rowlands, Matt Lewis.....if anyone else would like to get on board please do....the more people on this train the better. If you would like to get involved in any way please get in touch....marketing, fundraising, spreading the word, kit sorting, training. 

Also please check out Karen's Page on Facebook and Twitter (see attached links) for updated storyboard of photos on training and events so far, or to send us your motivational and inspiring messages (mild p**s taking allowed obviously) x

Love and hugs always

xxxxxx

www.facebook.com/Karens-Page-348669851933014/

Twitter: @Karens_Page

You can also donate to Team Shipton by text. For example, if you wanted to give £10 you would text:

'MSRR47 £10' and send to the number 70070.

Please note if you choose to text you cannot leave your name or a message.....but you can always send one privately if you wish x