Hi Everyone

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page to benefit Marie Curie Cancer Care. Those that know me well may well be falling about laughing in hysterical disbelief but yes and seriously as you can see from the photos I've been accepted and I really am committed to doing this incredible challenge to raise loads of money - at least £3,350 - for a charity that gives amazing home, day and hospice care when people with cancer need it. 

From 20 - 27 September I'll be camping - yes me camping alongside the rattlesnakes and scorpions! - at the Havasupai Indian reservation 31,000 ft down the Grand Canyon, the most remote place in all North America and 160 miles from the nearest grocery store! No snacks for me then except what I can carry so yes I will resemble a pack horse.  I'll be trekking from Sedona along Oak Creek to Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls and the Colorado River, negotiating creeks, falls, ladders and tunnels though the rock, to Tonto Platform and Carbonate Canyon before trekking back up to the rim of the Grand Canyon. That's all assuming I make it in one piece - repatriation insurance is an essential requirement.

I've already started training for this physical feat of endurance and stamina so there are now words I thought would never feature in my personal vocabulary like squats, lunges, bicep curls, press ups, glutes, hip flexors, abductors, etc. I'll be updating my page with photos over the next six months so you can visit any time and keep an eye on my progress.  I'm also keeping a food diary as I need to put on a stone in weight in six months so if anyone knows how to do that let me know - I might do a blog. All the fitness magazines tell you how to lose weight not how to gain it sensibly. 

But there is of course a serious side to this story which is those I'm doing it for so I really do appreciate any financial and / or personal support you feel able to give.  My special thanks go to Andy my fitness trainer who himself has cancer, to Corinne who never fails to support me in any thing I do, to AmyBeth who really helped me to chrystalise my thinking that I actually might be able to do this, and of course to my beloved Alex and Will who despite their reservations given how old I'll be and how unfit I am are backing me all the way.  

You may well have donated via JustGiving but if not then donating through JustGiving to sponsor me is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving as they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Marie Curie Cancer Care saving time and cutting costs.

Thanks so much for visiting my page and reading my story.

Elizabeth