Dear Friends,

On the 6th April I will be participating in the well known endurance event - The Marathon Des Sables (MDS). The MDS is a multi stage desert marathon, often labelled the 'toughest footrace on earth'. It is an epic challenge comprised of 6 back to back stages, with distances ranging from 30km-90km per day for a total of 250km. I can expect temperatures to reach 50 degrees, multiple blisters, injuries and probably a few tears...I have no idea if I will even be able to complete it. Not only will it be a gruelling, physically demanding task, but a true battle of the mind as well. Each participant is responsible for carrying their own food, sleeping arrangements, clothing and equipment. Water is thankfully supplied. My training has been ardous and constant, and I have been hugely supported by my wonderful family who have been incredibly understanding as I head out into the Suffolk plough and disappear for many hours over precious weekends at home.....

It's a challenge I have watched and admired from afar for a number of years and have seen and spoken to many friends and colleagues brave enough to take it on. Their help and guidance has been crucial to preparing for this.

It's bound to be an incredible opportunity and a life enhancing experience whatever the outcome.

There will be numerous and inevitable dark moments when I can''t fathom what lies ahead each day I'm there. A quote I particularly like says 'The desert is a great place to reflect on life's challenges. It teaches you that perseverance and resilience are the keys to overcoming any obstacle'.

So knowing I can somehow contribute to the fundraising efforts of the Cambridge Children's Hospital (CCH) whose young patients will need huge levels of perseverance and resilience every day of their lives is going to be a big source of inspiration and strength.

The CCH is going to be the first of its kind - a new specialist children's hospital in Cambridge that will treat children and young people across the East of England and beyond. It's goal is to develop a new innovative joined up model of care that fully integrates physical and mental health, combined with research into the prevention and early diagnosis of disease. It recognises the fact that many children and young people with mental health conditions also have a physical health condition and vice versa. This new hospital will provide better and safer, age appropriate care in a high quality, fit-for-purpose facility that meets the needs of children, young people and families. It's remarkable that a concept like this does not already exist in the East of England and so unbelievably exciting to know what it will achieve - with your help. This is where you come in: Your support will go towards the building of this hospital which will be truly life changing to the thousands of young people and I am beyond grateful for any contribution you can make.

It is a project I have been aware of for a number of years thanks largely to the incredible efforts of my sister Selina and the brilliant team behind the CCH. I would encourage you to watch the video attached to this page to get a sense of where your money will go. It's simply going to be one of a kind.

Thank you for your generosity, support and encouragement. I will do my utmost to complete this challenge and make your kind donation worthwhile. Any sum you feel you can give will make a huge difference to the countless children and young families who will benefit from this game changing initiative. I think that's worth a few blisters don't you?.......

Thank you.

xx