In July, my friend and colleague Liz (“Lizbuff”) passed away. I don’t want to say that she lost her battle with cancer, because actually, she kicked cancer’s ass. For two years, she showed us all how to find courage, strength, love and hope and she never once gave up. Never. She was beautiful, brilliant, bonkers and brave – and a bloody good fundraiser. We worked together to fund so many great things and she had a real passion for wanting to make a difference. I miss her. 

I want to do something to raise money for a cause that she really believed in and so I am asking you all – from the bottom of my (broken) heart – to dig as deep as you can and sponsor me. Especially if I’ve sponsored you for anything in the past. Fair’s fair. 

I don’t run. I don’t even like walking that much. I don’t like heights. I don’t wash my own car, so there’s no way I’m going to wash yours. So what am I doing that is challenging enough to make you sponsor me? I am going to sacrifice alcohol. For a whole month. This might not sound like a big deal, but during October I have various celebratory  functions, including my daughter’s 4th Birthday Party, which will mean managing over 30 small children in a confined space for two hours. I also have many a deadline to hit which, I confess, tends to lead me to reach for the odd glass of rosé/ prosecco/ gin/ Jack Daniels. Oh yes – and there’s the Rugby World Cup a-happening too. 

I hope to raise as much money as possible so that many more people can benefit from the fantastic projects that Liz loved working on at Wales Millennium Centre. She loved this place. And she would find this “challenge” of mine absolutely hilarious. 

With huge thanks and an empty wine glass, 

Shep x