I am dedicating my challenge to my soulmate, Beverley Jackson, who sadly lost her long and courageous battle against cancer on 7 January 2010.  Beverley has been an inspiration to me, our family, and all her friends.   Despite her own challenges, Beverley dedicated some of her time to Help for Heroes, answering letters accompanying the donations personally. 

I have a very close affinity with, and admiration of, our armed services.  As a physio and wife of a serviceman, Help for Heroes represents so much for me.  It is a dynamic, positive and local charity that is making a real difference; the Rehabilitation Centres project is inspiring.  I am determined to help, in my small way, this really worthwhile charity.  Please read below to see events that are coming up, and updates on completed events - every penny that is donated will go to the charity as I am covering all costs myself.

I would also like to give huge thanks to The Galanthus Trust - who will match every donation made to this challenge - thus DOUBLING each and every penny, and raising my target to £20,000.

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The services have provided a wonderful backdrop to my life…starting with my father, and now 28 years married to “Big Al” – a soldier through and through who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and continues to work tirelessly with units deploying on operations.  My eldest son, Tim, is in the process of joining the Navy, and my nephew, Steve, is in training with the Royal Marines.  I feel so very proud of them all, but at the same time understand the anxieties associated with a “tour of duty” on so many different levels.

So - to celebrate my impending 50th birthday, I have set myself the target of raising £20,000 for Help for Heroes.  To achieve this target I have planned or will participate in a number of activities:

17 March: The Collosal Cake Sale.  (Completed - over £480 raised - thank you so much to all who made cakes, joined in the fun, and bought the cakes - and to Spire FM who gave it a plug)

4 April:  Salisbury Fire Brigade Car Boot Sale.  (Competed - 253.10 raised - a big thank you to Les, Sarah, Cathy, Gaby for all your contributions).

9 April:  12 Hour Cycle Challenge (Completed) (with thanks to Parkwood Health and Fitness who provided the venue and the bike). £309 raised and 240 kms travelled.  Thanks to Nick Holmes, Manager Salisbury City Football Club for his support.

23 April:  St Georges Day Ladies Who Lunch for Heroes.  (Completed)  Thank you to all who attended a faaaantastic lunch.  Bunting, british cuisine and high spirits.  £312 raised.

8 May: Charity Barn Dance.   Netherhampton, Salisbury.  See my photos.  Tickets £20.  Music by Murphy's Lore.

Details available from sarumphysio@btconnect.com

Publicity: http://www.murphyslore.co.uk/dates.php

26 May: London to Paris Cycle Challenge.   Completed!!!  All the training payed off - day 1 at 104 miles was a bit of a tester, but we got to the ferry and eventually to our first nights accommodation.  The next few days were fantastic - and my phsio skills and back pack of pysio tape was in great demand among other  cyclists!  Paris was chaotic - but a fantastic experience.

Publicity:  http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/5051417.Charity_cycle_ride_to_Paris/

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So thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  And please remember - every penny raised will be matched by the Galanthus Trust, doubling what you have given.

For more information on Help for Heroes http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/index.html

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and my fellow "Tri Cycle Trollops" team mates:

Linda Alford: http://www.justgiving.com/shot-in-the-head

Lesley Aldridge: http://www.justgiving.com/Lesley-Aldridge

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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 - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you