Thanks to everyone who has already pledged support - £1733 and climbing, which is beyond my wildest dreams;  (more than £400 of this has come from cash donations by volunteers and the public in Stroud).   To people who haven't - there is still time!  Because I did it!  Slowly (5 25 38), but I did it.  The background story is below.  

Since June 2013 I have been leading the team that is preparing a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to restore the next, key stage of the Stroudwater Navigation.  This project will join the Navigation to 2,500 miles of navigable waterways.  The stories hidden in its unique archives will be available to everyone.  The towpath will link Saul to Stonehouse.  There will be things for people of all ages and abilities to do, and a beautiful, quiet, canal rich in wildlife for them to enjoy, whether on or off the water.  

A month after the Bristol to Bath marathon, our bid for £15 million goes in.  We need £5 million in match funds.  We already know where some of that will come from, but we need quite a bit more.  Every pound will make a difference: I hope you will support me.

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.