for some bizarre reason... i won't go into details as its overly long and boring... but, i was asked to compete in a hike and bike team adventure challenge to raise money for the duke of edinburgh's award and being the fool I am, I said yes!

and so it is that I am now fully committed to spending 3 days carrying all my own equipment while navigating, hiking, mountain biking and wild camping my way across dartmoor national park....  and yes, that is the same national park which people annually get stuck on and need a helicopter rescue, oh, and its supposed to have a beast of some sorts too... the race (that's right.....race!- er... nobody told me about that to begin with) also includes ray mears style survival challenges along the way, just in case the above wasn't enough on it's own! however, in mr. t. style, "i ain't eating no bugs!"

in true charitable form, stopgap (my recruitment agency who shall take the blame for this) are matching pound for pound any monies raised up to £150! they'll also be covering all the costs for the trip, so you can be safe in the knowledge that any money you do donate, firstly will be going directly to the charity (duke of edinburgh if you hadn't already guessed), and secondly will be matched by stopgap, thus will be double!

www.stopgap.co.uk

http://www.theaward.org/fundraising/index.php?ids=1998,3423&id=2275

the duke of edinburgh's award is committed to providing an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development for young people, whatever their background or ability...  some of the benefits to young people include developing self confidence and self reliance; gaining a sense of achievement and a sense of responsibility; discovering new skills, interests and talents and developing leadership skills, abilities and communication skills...

from a personal viewpoint, be it right or wrong, i feel that many young people get quite a lot of stick these days for being lazy, uninspired and without ambition...  however, most of the time these young people are simply misunderstood and perhaps haven't been given the opportunity to get out there and experience what life can be; to see the inspiration first hand and to discover what they're actually capable of....  one simple opportunity can change the course of a young persons life and ultimately give them a sense of pride, not just in their achievement but also in themselves and this can surely only serve to do good.  the duke of edinburgh's award can provide these opportunities and help to encourage young people to be the best they can be.  If only there were more charities that could do the same...

the duke of edinburgh's award is a registered charity and relies on the generous support of volunteers, operating authorities and businesses to meet its commitment to help all young people realise their full potential...  without donations it cannot continue to offer programs and opportunities that so clearly can make a difference...  please help me to help them with their fantastic work!

donating through justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure... it’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: duke of edinburgh's award gets your money faster and, if you’re a uk taxpayer, justgiving makes sure 25% in gift aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation...

so please sponsor me now!!!

thanks for visiting my fundraising page....