<p>So, where to begin...</p> <p>Well, how about 13 January 2011. I remember the call as though it were moments ago. Nan had been found at home having suffered a major stroke and was on her way to St Thomas' Hospital to the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. Right then her challenge began.</p> <p>Very sadly and despite many hours of brilliant treatment and care, Nan never recovered from her stroke. Though stubborn and determined to the end (well, what do you expect - she was related to me after all!), she passed away on 5 June 2011, surrounded by her family.</p> <p>So, I wanted to do something meaningful to raise some money in memory of a wonderful grandmother and apparently, I have taken leave of my senses with this challenge idea! She would have approved heartily though I know and raising some cash for The Stroke Association seems totally appropriate to me.</p> <p>On 13 Jan 2012, I begin my challenge - The Dawkins 2012 Challenge, if you will! I am committing to lose 5st (70lbs) or more, in bodyweight by 25 December 2012.</p> <p>Now those of you who know me well and my love of chocolate and alcohol, will know that this challenge is going to take a significant chunk of effort and a pretty big lifestyle change for me. But, I am totally determined and focused on getting there.</p> <p>I know times are a little tough for everyone at the moment, but even if you can spare a fiver in sponsorship, your gesture would mean everything to me and my motivation to raise some money in Nan's memory.</p> <p>I am very generously being sponsored by Scott and Bart @FitMed Fitness Clinic (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150549995111187.422178.582261186&amp;amp;type=3#!/pages/FitMed-Fitness-Clinic/262870800418583">http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150549995111187.422178.582261186&amp;type=3#!/pages/FitMed-Fitness-Clinic/262870800418583</a>). They will weigh me on a weekly basis and torture me a little more frequently. I am hoping to run a blog off of their website too, so that you can all delight in my blood, sweat, tears and undoubted tantrums!</p> <p>I am totally grateful for your sponsorship and here's to the Dawkins Challenge 2012!</p> <p>Charlotte xx</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>