As some of you are aware, we have been raising funds for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), at the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, since the beginning of the year. This charity is very close to our hearts, as sadly on the 20 December 2011 we had to say goodbye to a very special little girl, Katie Peach.

Katie was a beautiful little girl who up until 7 of December 2011 was a happy, healthy 3 year old with her whole life in front of her, then after being a little tired and having a slightly raised temperature she went to bed. The following morning her family’s lives would be changed forever.

After being rushed to A&E they were told that Katie had Meningococcal Septicaemia (a severe strain of Meningitis) and at approximately 8:45am on the 8 of December 2011 was the last time they saw Katie conscious.

Despite the magnificent efforts of the staff at the PICU, on the 20 of December 2011 Katie lost her fight for life.

Katie’s stay in hospital could only be described as a roller coaster ride. Katie’s family were told on the 9 December that she would not survive the day, but she kept fighting. They had to come to terms with many things, including the fact the Katie would lose both arms and both legs, then her kidneys may never work again and ultimately that she would not be going home with her family. To witness the sheer speed with which the disease destroyed her body was terrifying, which is why we want to raise as much money for the PICU in memory of Katie. The money raised will be put towards much needed equipment for a ward that treats so many very critically ill children whether it be through Meningococcal Septicaemia or any other serious illness.

We know that many of you have already supported this great cause, but we have set our own personal challenges to raise some more funds and would be extremely grateful if we could ask for your support.

Dougan, Kev (Katie’s Dad) and 7 other riders will be riding from Newhall, South Derbyshire to Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park, Southampton in August 2012. Peppa Pig was Katie’s favourite character, and we spent Katie’s 3 birthday at Peppa Pig world last year with both our families. The journey is approximately 165 miles and will take 3 days, they will pass through the sites and sounds of Stratford-upon-Avon, Swindon and then onto Peppa Pig World where they will arrive on 26 August 2012, which would have been Katie’s 4 Birthday.

Kerry will be taking part in a 25 mile walk from Katie’s house in Newhall, with Sara (Katie’s Mum) and 15 other walkers. We will set out on the morning of the 16 June 2012 and although our aim is only to finish the walk to Nottingham Queens Medical Centre, we expect it to take us approximately 9 hours.

These events are going to be challenging for us both and we really appreciate any donation that you can give. Thank you for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.