As part of Bishop Fleming's centenary year celebrations, we have all committed to raising a total of £100,000 for charity between us.  

Part of my contribution towards this is joining some 40 colleagues from across our firm in an attempt to complete the 3 peaks challenge on the weekend of 21st June.  The plan is to climb up and down Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within 24 hours ….23 miles of walking, 10,000ft of vertical ascent and 460 miles of driving.  Actually might be the car sickness I'm most concerned about on those winding lanes!  

I have to say that to date, I have thoroughly enjoyed the training which has "forced" me to go out and enjoy our wonderful countryside / the coastpath with my trusty training companion Doris (see pic) and many of my work chums who I don't always get the chance to spend so much time with.  It's been a (somewhat out of breath) blast!

Our fundraising target will be split between various charities.  I've chosen the stroke association as very close to my heart. My dear old Dad suffered a massive stroke at the age of 64.  He wasn't in a particular risk category  and it rather came out of the blue.  The impact was massive.  From an active, practical strong man with great intellect, he was, within a matter of hours, totally paralysed down one side, no speech, minimal memory and unable to do the most basic of things.  It was truly shocking.  It's pointless going through the what ifs but I can't help but wonder if we'd been quicker off the mark getting Dad into hospital and being treated, some of the longer term implications could have been lessened.  I'm very aware of what the Stroke Association has done in raising awareness of the symptoms and am keen to do anything I can to help families living with the after effects of a stroke: 

So don't forget "FAST"
Face (can the person smile?  Has one side of their face fallen?)
Arms (can the person raise both arms and keep them there?)
Speech (can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?)
Time (if you see any of the above - time to call 999)

Not wanting to leave this on a sad note, just to say my old Dad went on to live another 14 happy years.  Recovery from a stroke takes place over a long period as the brain starts to make new pathways and it was really phenomenal what he managed to achieve.  Whilst he never regained any movement really down his right hand side, his determination got him to the point where he could drive again (in a modified car) and he was able to get about with a stick and some magic electrodes which stimulated his muscles to get him moving.  His speech improved and whilst he was never quite the same, we definitely got Dad back and I will be always grateful for the support we had from so many different medical staff in getting Dad to the point where life was good again. 

I should be grateful for any support you could give me on my trek for the Stroke Association.