Why have I decided to fundraise?

You may or may not know that I was born with a condition known as Fibular Hemimelia (same condition as Oscar Pistorius) and so couldn’t help being totally inspired by the achievements of our paralympians at the recent Paralympic Games. Their sheer guts, drive and determination to succeed despite their disabilities really inspired and encouraged me (despite all my fears) to take part in this challenging cycle ride to raise money to give all disabled children the opportunity to participate in sport for just enjoyment or to fulfil their dreams of maybe representing Team GB at the next Paralympic Games.

What am I doing to raise money?

I’m cycling 200 gruelling miles starting in Kent and finishing in Amsterdam. This involves cycling through 4 countries in 3 days, England, France, Belgium and Holland. For those of you that know me well you will understand that this is an enormous challenge for me and I will need to sweat blood and tears for the next 3 months to prepare myself both physically and mentally for the ride. Yes I’m extremely nervous about this challenge, but I know these children need our support, so the pain and suffering I go through over the 3 days will all be worth it.  Please dig deep and give every pound you can.

Why am I supporting this charity?

Get Kids Going! is a National charity which gives disabled children and young people - up to the age of 26 yrs - the wonderful opportunity of participating in sport. With your help many can become world record holders and Paralympics champions!

How will the money raised help?

Your money will help to provide them with specially built sports' wheelchairs so they can do: athletics, marathons, tennis, skiing, rugby, sailing, basketball, hockey, table tennis, fencing, shooting, archery, power-lifting and many more sports. Get Kids Going! inspires British disabled youngsters to compete in sporting events, from start to paralympic level, by giving them 'sports grants' to help with their; training, physiotherapy, travel, competition fees, design and development of sports' wheelchairs etc.

Like any aspiring athletes all our youngsters need long term support, often over many years, to achieve their sporting dreams. Sadly, we are aware of cuts in funding for such youngsters of up to £50m, from government and other sources, and so many of our youngsters are forced to rely on friends and family for financial help. As you can imagine this causes enormous burdens on many, already cash strapped, families and a constant worry as the cost of participating in their favourite sport is forever increasing.

There were over 200 disabled talented youngsters who had the potential to compete at London 2012 but received either none or very little funding and are desperate to achieve their life-long dream. With your help, together we can turn their dreams into reality and help make them into sporting heroes at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

 

Thanks to all of you who are able to donate and provide your support, it means a lot to me!!!