Dear Family and Friends
Not all of you will be aware that in June of 2006, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, which develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). In most cases this is linked with being overweight.  So no surprises there then!!  However, through a strict regime of diet and exercise, together with the help and support of Diabetes UK, I now have the condition under control.

Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition. There are currently over 2 million people with diabetes in the UK and there are up to another 750,000 people with diabetes who have the condition and don’t know it.  The support and research that this involves requires considerable sums of money and I am now seeking your help in raising funds by asking that you sponsor me as a participant in the Plymouth to Banjul Challenge. 

Essentially, this involves driving a “banger” from Plymouth to Banjul in company with another 40 teams.  The rules of the Challenge are as follows:

1     Competing cars must cost less than £100.
2     Maximum budget for the vehicle Rally Preparation: £15
3     Once the Rally is underway, there will be no form of formal assistance from the organisers in any way - Teams are ON THEIR OWN.
4     All of vehicles that make the full distance to Banjul must be handed over to the Challenge Control Group to be auctioned under controlled conditions (reported to The Gambian Government) in aid of local Gambian Charities.
5     All vehicles must be LEFT-HAND DRIVE!!

And finally “All Rules are there to be broken except Rules 4 and 5!

So my co-driver and I have acquired “Herman”, a  1994 LHD Volvo 850 Estate, and have already broken Rule No 1 in so doing.  We have our Cross-Channel ferry booked for February 1st and our return flights from Banjul are booked for February 27th – there’s confidence for you!!  All that we now need is your support.

Every penny of your contribution will go to Diabetes UK; all our expenses are being paid for from our own pockets.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Diabetes UK 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.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

P.S  Generous donations also received from Robert Schofield,  Mel and Eileen Jenkins, Ken & Joyce Johnston, Tony Gregory, Marjorie Evans, together with sponsorship from Avisa, Executive Aviation Services, Jet2.com, Longtail Aviation (Bermuda), Manx2 and The Rotary Club of Heston and Isleworth.