Our Challenge: We've just completed a very gruelling 45 mile bike race (the Ups and Downs Sportive) across the Surrey Hills (completed 1st May 2011). It took 6 hours as it was seriously hilly but we (Dawn, Heugh & Sam) made it to the end and are now nursing very sore muscles!! Our fundraising efforts are to help those left devastated by the Japanese earthquake/tsunami. Although we've now completed our challenge we are of course still welcoming donations as the suffering in Japan has by no means ceased.

 

About Us: The tragedy in Japan is very close to our hearts as the 3 of us lived and worked as teachers in Miyagi prefecture, which bore the brunt of both the earthquake and tsunami. Due to the welcoming nature of the Japanese, Miyagi became our home and we have never known such friendly, honest and hard working people. Heugh lived in the coastal city of Kesennuma which was devastated by the tsunami - with vast areas of it obliterated and 1000's missing. Dawn lived in Murata, a ricefield village, and Sam lived in Sendai city, both of which suffered quake damage and are now without basic supplies.

 

Our Charity: We are keen to support survivors directly on a longterm basis. We are therefore donating money to the earthquake/tsunami appeal being run by the Japanese charity Peace Winds, (via their UK partner charity - Mercy Corps). Peace Winds are ideally positioned to identify where help is needed most and they are supporting the longterm needs of survivors, with a focus on Kesennuma, where Heugh lived. Miyagi is one of the poorest areas of Japan and will be relying heavily upon charities to rebuild both homes and livelihoods.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to our charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every donation by a UK taxpayer.

 

Please dig deep and help our Japanese friends!

 

Our event: http://www.sportivescene.co.uk/wiggle-super-series-ups-downs-sportive-2011/

Our charity: http://peace-winds.org/en/1_1.html