Jackie Barton
Jackie Barton's Dog Sled Challenge
Fundraising for Rangers Charity Foundation
Story
I've recovered from my journey at last and almost completed my fundraising courtesy of Lady Helen & Friends.
Many thanks to Lady Helen of Dunans for doing the hard work arranging the fundraising evening. For supplying the nifty nibbles (especially the caramelised onion tart!) and classy cocktails. I forgot my camera and failed to take a picture of Lady Helens fabulous food set out so perfectly. Each cocktail had matching coloured canapés and cupcakes so something for the blues and the greens!!!
What a fabulous fun way to raise funds. From the arriving greeting with a glass of Pimms through to the parting goodie bags it was a terrific evening.
Thanks also to Mandy, Julie, Vivien, Fiona, Anne, Kate, Toni, Joyce, Pauline, Lesley, Selina, Janice, Jean, Robyn, Vanda, Mary, Molly, & Mick for their kind donations and gracious company.
Although after a few Blue Lagoons, Woo Woo’s, Green Monsters and Margherita’s there weren’t many gracious guests around! Not sure who enjoyed the tattoos most but think Lesley may have found a new career!
Thanks to Anne who introduced the talk and kept me right when I drifted off into my usual ramblings.
You were all fabulous xx
My journey
On the first day of sleding I harnessed my dogs hooked them to my sled and set off down hill, the dogs went round the first bend but the sled went straight on and catapulted me into a tree cracking my ribs in the process. I got up and carried on and fell off again before the end of the first day.
On day two aided and abeted with painkillers I determined not to fall off again but managed to get dragged behind the sledge for 100yards filling up my boots and pockets with snow until I finally pulled myself up looking like the abominable snowman.
I managed to stay on the sled the rest of the trip until the start of the downhill on the last day when I repeated the same stunt as day one when my dogs took a bend and the sled went straight on this time catapulting me into deep snow which I stuggled to get out of so I could chase after my runaway dogs and sled.
Doesn't sound like much fun but it was truly amazing. The dogs were fantastic, the scenery stunning and our group were wonderful. If I hadn't hurt myself so badly on day one I'm sure I would have enjoyed it all the more.I was so scared of falling of the sled again I didn't get many pictures of the sparkling landscape. We passed herds of reindeer roaming in the forest, crossed frozen lakes with stunning scenery and sled all day in snow which christalised in the air and fell like fairy dust. With the thermal clothes I took and the Arctic suits provided I didn't really feel cold and even overheated on the final day when we had to push the sleds up hills that felt like walls!!
I've not yet reached my fundraising target for locally (Erkine Hospital), nationally (Prostrate Cancer Scotland) and world wide (Unicef). Once again A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has already sponsored me, been part of the Curryoke night, bought a raffle ticket or taken a turn on a football card.
However, I still need help reaching my target I am so close so please help me to help others by digging deep and sponsoring me whatever you can afford and passing on the word to your friends and family.
When I reach my target of £5000 anyone who has sponsored me £50 or more will be entered into a prize draw to win £500 which I am putting up as an incentive to encourage people to be really generous!!!!!