On 3 October 2010 a very dear friend of mine, Elise Roberts née Astle (shown here on her wedding day in May 2010 in Rome), who was my wife Mary’s very good friend since the age of 4, passed away following an intense nine month battle with malignant melanoma.  Elise was just 37 years old.  As a result, family, friends and Elise’s work colleagues are working together towards one goal:

Raising £1M for The Christie in Manchester

So far almost £335,000 has been raised since the “Elise For Life” appeal was launched shortly before Elise passed away.  Numerous charity events have been planned for this year, including the Walk For Elise Great Wall of China Trek which is expected to raise more than £200,000 and will be the biggest single fundraising event that has ever been undertaken for The Christie.

The Great Wall of China is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest manmade structure, it seems crazy to climb it and walk along it, yet holds a challenge in equal measure to its mystique.

Why then, are 114 people doing exactly that in October 2011?

It’s because every single day The Christie Hospital fights the challenge and adversity of cancer and can only do this with funds raised by such events but funds can only be raised from the kindness and generosity of supporters such as yourselves.

The "Elise for Life" appeal is born out of that challenge and adversity and is best told by Elise's husband, Mark:

"Elise was diagnosed with cancer in January 2010.  Elise battled courageously with this dreadful illness, but very sadly passed away nine months later.  Elise’s legacy is the Elise For Life Appeal to raise £1 million for The Christie in Manchester.  One of the key events planned as part of the appeal is the Walk For Elise which will see Elise’s friends, family and colleagues from Barclays walk this stunning trek in her memory.  The people who take on this trek, and the hundreds who sponsor them, will positively affect the lives of thousands.  You are all amazing people, and I thank you on behalf of Elise, and all the people who will be treated, helped, and looked after as a result of your generosity and support.” 

Elise herself walked the Great Wall a number of years ago and, ironically, undertook a number of fundraising activities, not least climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2007 in aid of The Christie.

More information about the appeal can be found on the Elise For Life website at www.eliseforlife.org.

So, my request is this – please sponsor me in my effort to walk the Great Wall in memory of a truly special lady who is so terribly missed by so many.  You will be fulfilling Elise’s target and will be helping someone to fight and hopefully win, their battle with this terrible disease.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.  Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.  So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now!!

Thank you so much for your support!

Jason