Andy and Nic are paddling the DW this Easter weekend. 125 miles straight through, it is described as the 'Kayakers' Everest' where it's not just about the people doing the challenge - the support crew are absolutely vital to 'making it'.

10 years ago we faced what might be seen as a parents' Everest - Morgan was diagnosed with a host of life-threatening conditions. We had the team of family and friends behind us but also a raft of charities that kept the wheels firmly on the Team Thomas wagon as we navigated the journey of our child's brush with nearly not making it.

The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Charity provides an isolation unit in the Oncology ward of the JR, so for example if your child is neutrapenic because of Chemotherapy and contracts Norovirus, there is still somewhere they can be treated without putting other children's lives at risk. We made extensive use of this facility. They also provided a wonderful 'oh golly we are in denial' moment when they provided an all expenses met trip to Disneyland Paris for our family! Right up to four days before we had no idea if Morgan could make the journey - but we had a fantastic time and really gave us courage to think beyond hospital walls. See more of how they help people like us at http://www.thomasball.org.uk/

The six charities listed are like our children; we don't have a favourite we love them equally! We have joined them on a team page so hope funds can be kept equal-ish to them. You can track us live (once we have started) at www.dwrace.co.uk crew no. 357. Thank you!