Dear All,

I’m afraid this is a message that is asking for your support in the form of sponsorship, which of course means I am asking you for money, I cannot lie. Please though at least read this message first before you make any decisions as to whether you will support me or ignore me.

I am going to try to keep this short and simple……………………………….

On Sunday the 21st of September 2008 I am due to run the New Forest Half Marathon. I am sure there might be some of you who are thinking, what only a half marathon? How lazy. Well maybe next time if I make it this time I will run the full 26miles however the idea of 13miles is still a long way.

Now the important part, it’s never easy to select a charity or other organisation to raise money for as all causes are just as important with some charities being more important and special to some of you than others depending on your experiences. I have made the decision on this occasion to raise money for the Wessex Neurological Centre.

The Wessex Neurological Centre is one of the largest neuroscience centres in the country, serving a population of over 2.8 million. Based at Southampton General Hospital, each year they treat approximately 4,000 inpatients and 13,000 outpatients. The centre provides a dedicated, integrated 24 hour acute neurosurgical and neurological assessment, investigation and treatment service. If you would like to learn more then take a look at the following link:

www.suht.nhs.uk/index.cfm?articleid=221

Nearly there………………………………………..

The reason that I have chosen the Wessex Neurological Centre in Southampton is because as some of you may already know or may not know back in February 2004 my Mum suffered what is know as a Sub-arachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH). In very basic terms this is Brain Haemorrhage, I will spare you any more details but if you would like to learn more please again follow the link above.

I am pleased to say that today 4 years on Mum has made an excellent recovery and I have no doubt that a large part of this is as a result of the continuous 24hour care and treatment she received whilst in intensive care and high dependency wards during the first few weeks after admission.

There may be some of you who are reading this who have a personal experience of the Neuro Unit at Southampton General Hospital. It maybe that you have had a family member, relative or friend admitted and treated there, or perhaps you have had to spend some time there yourself. You may even personally know Mum and may have witnessed her progress from the initial uncertain times to the positive recovery today.

Whilst I know that every case and experience is different many of you will be able to agree that seeing a loved one in the Neurological Unit at all stages is a difficult time for everyone involved but perhaps made a little easier to know that they are under the best possible care being treated with the most up to date equipment and therefore in the best possible place.

I am sure there are some people who may not have such a fortunate story but it is therefore why I am ever more determined to raise money for such a worthy charity and know that any money that I raise through your kind and generous sponsorship may increase the chances for more and more people of making full and positive recoveries.

I appreciate how many of you get asked for money for so many different reasons and that so often there has to be a line when you can give no more. However all sponsorship is gratefully received however big or small. If any of you are not so keen on the idea of donating on line then please contact me.

In advance, thank you for your generosity and support it really is appreciated and I am sure there are many other families and patients out there who will be just as grateful.

Oli Finn x x x

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

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