Dear friends,

In T-20 hours I am going to embark on a 20k kayak across Lake Windermere with a bunch of like-minded (for "like-minded" read "slightly unhinged") individuals who are truly embracing the motto "No pain, no gain" on behalf of our chosen charity, Brain Tumour Research.

The last time I kayaked I was the right side of 30 (actually, I was the right side of 25!) and the water was rather less murky and significantly less deep (Windermere is 67m) than that which I'm attempting to traverse tomorrow. My own mother is unconvinced of my chances of success (and will attest to my woefully underprepared state) and it was only yesterday that I learnt that an eskimo roll is a life-saving technique kayakers employ when capsized and not something found on a You, me, Sushi menu.

In an ironic twist, I am due to see Punchdrunk's performance of 'A Drowned Man' tomorrow evening. Whilst tempting fate, this rash move also signifies commitment to an evening spent on foot, wandering around a disused warehouse as a voyeur of the dramatic action..for three and a half hours.

I would be incredibly grateful if you could dig deep for me and for Brain Tumour Research and give anything you have. I am certainly going to have to.

Love,

Jen x