Thank you for visiting our Team YB fundraising page - What can we say but a BIG THANKYOU.

£12k and counting and remember that the Bank will double this total with 50% to St Michaels and 50% to Help The Hospices - fantastic.

We are all looking forward to the challenge which will soon be on us - to be honest we can't wait - once again THANKYOU.

After completing a short stroll (100km in 24 hours) last year across the South Downs, we felt it time to face a new challenge. We have lost two of our original numbers - Neil Willson (which is not easy in view of his size!), so no-one will be dressed as a woman this time around, which we think our hosts will be very grateful for and will probably save us from being arrested.

Additionally Graham has been lost to world marathons, after completing the Great North Run he did the New York Marathon in under 4 hours. We have failed in our attempt to settle him down and make him walk again. To say he is a man on a mission..........he has been inspirational and shaken us out of our lethargy.

We have therefore had to look for a strong substitute bench and manfully Mark & Gary have stepped up. Gary is a multi Knaresborough Bed Race veteran and Mark has a number of long distance charity runs under his belt, including the Great North Run. Indeed he has been inspired by the duracell bunny - he just keeps going and going................So what is our new challenge?

Who was not inspired by the Olympics in the summer?  Summer - remember those rainy cold days, where we were grateful for something to watch on the telly? Those non CGI created images from the Far East will remain in our memories and specifically the Great Wall of China. So when we realised that we could Help our local Hospices by undertaking a 5 day trek along the wall, we were tempted.

Our challenge is to each raise £3k for the hospice organising the event - St. Michaels in Harrogate. St Michaels is the local hospice for our team and each of us knows someone who has benefited from the fantastic care and support provided by their dedicated staff.

Yorkshire Bank has committed to match fund any cash we raise for "Help the Hospices Charity" its nominated Charity Partner. 50% of the matched funding will go to the main charity and 50% to the organising Hospice, St Michaels.

We are delighted that 50% of the matched funds will be used to support the wider hospice movement, which means that all the hospices local to our donees will benefit.

We will be undertaking the trek in September 2009 so plenty of time to train, however we need to raise our £12k by June 30th so we are keen to meet this figure as soon into the New Year as we can, so please help us with any donation no matter how small.

Update April 2009:

Many thanks to those who have made donations - all have been greatly appreciated. We have to make a special mention to our friends at Roosters Brewery who have provided a stunning donation and our heartfelt thanks go to Alison, Dave and all the team at Blind Jacks.

With regard to our training - Rick has been to his hairdresser to ensure he is looking immaculate at the Gym. He has also considered going to dog training classes so he can bring his beagle pup on a few of the training walks we have planned.

Mark continues to pound the streets of Knaresborough with Aero (his Labradoodle) in tow. We are slowly weaning him off speed walking so we will be able to keep up when we get to China!

Gary - what can I say? Well he has decided to mix up his training regime as advised by a personal trainer. The only thing he needs now are lessons in map reading so he can find his way around Harrogate District whilst he undertakes his cycling sessions.

Myself ? Belle, my border collie is keeping me on my toes and using those big brown eyes to ensure she is getting more walks than she has been used to during the winter. I have seen parts of Nidd Gorge that I never knew existed (bit like Gary on his bike) but that is another story. Long may the good weather continue.

We have managed to get our diaries together and have a few team training walks over the next few months so take care if you see three men and their dogs and one guy and his bike appearing in a town near you...................mmmmmmmm could there be a storyline / joke there?

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor the team: Help the Hospices gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now! Thank you in anticipation for your support.

Martin, Rick, Gary & Mark (Team YB)