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So a few months ago, Kelda said to Kirsty: 'Hey? Do you fancy doing this walk in the Netherlands? It’s meant to be really fun!’ And Kirsty said:‘Okay then!’

So we signed up for the draw, and got through… and then we got scared.

The International Four Day Marches Nijmegen (or Vierdaagse) is the largest marching event in the world. It’s held every year in in mid-July. Participants walk 40 kilometres daily (or the equivalent of a a day) for four days and, on completion, receive a royally approved medal. The participants are mostly civilians, but there are also a few thousand military. This year there will be 43,000 doing the walk – which is bigger than the London Marathon!

During the week of the Vierdaagse the accompanying festivities (known as the Vierdaagsefeesten) always draw a large crowd. It is known as one of the biggest festivities in the Netherlands, drawing a crowd of 1 million visitors.

So now we have to train, and we now realise what we’ve let ourselves in for – but since we started doing this - and so people know that we are doing the walk, they keep asking: 'Are you doing the walk for charity? Cos we'll sponsor you!'

We weren’t – it was just for fun – but since people keep asking, we thought, why not make some money for charity into the bargain..? And Kirsty's suggestion of the Ayrshire Hospice seemed perfect.

The Ayrshire Hospice is a facility that provides care for those with advanced cancer or Motor Neurone Disease for whom cure is no longer possible, as well as support for the families facing the loss of a loved one. The Hospice provides In-Patient Care, Day Care and a Specialist Palliative Homecare Nursing Team. These services are provided at no cost to patients or families, but as a charity, they are heavily dependant upon voluntary donations to meet expenses. The currently require to raise, from voluntary sources, £3.2m per year.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Ayrshire Hospice will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.