My nephew Theo suffered severe brain damage at birth and, as a result, has Cerebral Palsy; the general term for a number of neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. In order to fund life enhancing therapies and equipment, which become more and more essential as Theo grows older (he's turning 3 this August), family and friends are trying to raise £50,000. This year I, along with the help of anyone willing to take part, will be completing '10 Big Challenges For Theo' in order to help raise the funds he needs. 

Challenge Overview (details below):

1. The Bath Half Marathon - (Date: March 1st)
2. The Major Series: South Mud Run -(Date: March 28th)
3. The Virgin London Marathon - (Date: April 26th)
4. 3 Peaks Challenge - (Date: June)
   
5. Skydive - (Date: July)
6. Build Theo's Outdoor Fairy Garden - (Date: August)
7. Cycling the UK - Lands End to John O'Groats - (Date: September)
8. The Proclaimers - Run 500 miles - (Date: All Year)
9. Swim the equivalent of the Channel - (Date: All Year)
10.  Create 'Thinking of Theo' Website - (Date: All Year)
11. **Bonus Round - GoPro It All** 

Challenging enough? Erm.. 

I NEED YOUR HELP!

An underlying feature within all of these obstacles I will be facing is that they can be completed as a team; and anyone can be part of it! I am looking for as many people as possible to join me in these events or lend a helping hand along the way. Whether you fancy jogging alongside me, pedalling up in front or you're a computer whiz, I will be looking for your help. 

If you would like to join me for any of the events or could help out in any way, please email: thinkingoftheo@gmail.com 

Please feel free to complete any of these challenges for a charity that is close to your heart. Although ideally I would love you to help raise money for my Nephew, it is completely understandable that you may want to raise money for a charity of your choice. In which case, why not do it together? Similarly, adjust these challenges in any way you need; want to walk 500 miles rather than run? Do it. 

The Challenges Explained:

The Bath Half Marathon

As a student at Bath University of 1,2,3... too many years, it is shameful to have not completed the Bath Half Marathon. It's about time I did it! (A handy warm up round for London too)   

The Major Series: South Mud Run

Following on from the hugely successful Spartan Race last year, where the infamous Beers Over Careers team destroyed the obstacle course raising a massive £800. Another impressive turnout would be greatly appreciated this year.

The Virgin London Marathon

THE. BIG. ONE. It's about 26.2 miles longer than I have ever run before. Support needed - 1st in line: Stuart Garratt who is running it with me.

3 Peaks Challenge 

I will be aiming to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon - the 3 highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales - in 24 hours. This should be a fantastic experience and one I would like to complete with as many people as possible - confirmed date in June to come shortly.

Skydive

I hate heights. I don't like tiny planes. I can't fly. I'm not too sure why I'm doing this one..

Build Theo's Outdoor Fairy Garden

Currently, our garden isn't best equipped for Theo's needs. So this August I'm looking for a team of volunteers to help dig out and concrete a walkway through his own Fairy Garden - DIY SOS style

Cycling the UK - Lands End to John O'Groats

THE. BIG. TWO. In September I will be taking roughly 10 days to cycle over 1000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats; essentially the length of the UK. Gulp. This is going to be an enormous challenge for me as I do very little cycling as it stands. Once again, support needed as part of the cycling team, places to stay etc. donation of A BIKE would be a good place to start. 

The Proclaimers - Run 500 miles

"And I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more...". Well, just the first 500 for me please, but I will be running them over the course of the year. I'll keep you posted with frequent, yet not annoying, updates on here and facebook.

Swim the equivalent of the Channel 

A David Walliams (Theo's most recent celeb fan) inspired event. Unfortunately, my nickname The Rock is nothing to do with resemblance to the WWF Wrestler and actor, Dwayne Johnston, but rather because I sink in water. Similar to above, this will be completed throughout the year, however, this is a TEAM EVENT, so please swim some for me! Let me know how far you have been swimming by email (above). 

Create 'Thinking of Theo' Website

FINALLY something not physical, yet of the utmost importance. This year I would like to complete a webpage, thinkingoftheo.co.uk. If you have any experience or advice, please give me an email.

Finally - GoPro Bonus

One of the biggest agendas for these events will be to help raise awareness for the charity Tree of Hope. In order to do this, I am aiming to get some good footage of everything we achieve in the year and create a video promoting volunteering for Tree of Hope. YouTube sensations here we come!

THANK YOU

Thank you for your time reading this and to those who donate - we are extremely grateful for your support. You make a tremendous difference. 

Any questions please email or message me on Facebook.

Email: thinkingoftheo@gmail.com

To learn more about Theo or donate straight to Thinking of Theo visit his page:

https://www.justgiving.com/thinkingoftheo/     

 Or to keep up with Theo's day-to-day routine please like his facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/thinkingoftheouk

Thank you for your support! You can keep up with our progress on here or facebook!

Should we be lucky enough to exceed the target amount (or if we do not raise enough funds, or if they cannot be used for any other reason) anything we raise will go to the Tree of Hope to assist other sick children.