Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I firstly wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all of you for your extremely kind and generous donations in aid of the inspirational Tamara Johnson (via this Just Giving site and Bath Rugby Community Foundation).  I have been completely overwhelmed and humbled by the donations.

I should also tell you that I did manage to complete the Bath Half Marathon, on a very hot spring day, in a time of 2 hrs 13 minutes!  It was painful at times, but what kept me going was firstly Tamara and secondly, your support and kindness.

I visited Tamara last night and she has this afternoon sent me the message below, that she wished you all to receive: 

When Jimmy (Lynda's husband) told me that Lynda was running the Bath half and to have a look at the 'justgiving' website, I was (and still am) totally overwhelmed.  I am finding it hard to find the words to express my gratitude for the generosity of friends, Bath supporters, and people from the wider rugby community.  Thank you all for your support and the messages of encouragement, it means so much to me knowing how many people care and motivates me to continue to work hard at my rehabilitation.  Not forgetting a big thank you and well done to Lynda for going through the pain of running that far!

Lynda and I hope to talk through some ideas and decide where the money will be best spent, so please stay on this mailing list and we will update you.

Thank you again

Tam and Lynda xx

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Tamara, whilst playing rugby for Bath Ladies, last February, broke her neck, which has left her with paralysis from the chest down.  As you can imagine this has had a profound effect on Tamara's life, a young girl of 25 in the prime of her life.  What I have found even more remarkable is that from the day Tam suffered this life-changing injury, not once has she complained, she remains forever cheerful and positive and has the most beautiful smile on her face every time anyone visits.

After initially being treated at Frenchay Hospital, Tam has spent the last year within the confines of the Spinal Unit at Odstock Hospital, Salisbury.

The good news is this week she is finally going home, to face the next stage in her rehabilitation.  This will consist of 24 hour support at home, followed by a period of intensive rehabilitation, as Tam faces a lifetime of uncertainty ahead of her.

I have no doubt that she will approach this next stage of her rehabiltation with the same courage and determination that has seen her this far. She truly is an inspiration to all!!

For that reason, I am attempting to run the Bath Half Marathon in March and asking you all to support me to support Tamara, by donating to her Trust Fund.

For those of you that know me, you will know that I am not a natural runner, and certainly not built for it and although the training is hard, what has kept me going is knowing that I am doing it for Tam.

I welcome any donations, however small or big!

Please note, that you are on the Just Giving Page of Bath Rugby Community Foundation - again, for those of you who are unaware my husband Jimmy, is manager of the Foundation, and also is the coach of Bath Rugby Ladies Team - Tam's injury has also had a profound effect on his life, another reason for me choosing this worthwhile cause - therefore, the Foundation have kindly offered to receive the funds and forward them onto Tamara's Trust Fund on my behalf (unfortunately, a Trust Fund cannot be set up on Just Giving).

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Bath Rugby Community Foundation 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!  Thank you all, Love Lynda xx

PS - I am blown away by the response my request has generated - I am so very, very grateful to you all xx