Dear All

In a moment of madness just after my Dad's passing at the end of last year, myself and a few good friends decided to walk the beautiful and famous West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William, which is just short of 100 miles. Yes it's the latest edition of Mid Life Crisis.Com!

We are going to do it in 6 days and a training programme is in full swing.  Now I know there are numerous calls for sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues and that times are tough at the moment. But..... I am going to walk and try and raise some much needed cash for: The Dame Vera Lynn Trust (based locally in West Sussex) www.dvltrust.org.uk

My interest and desire to help this superb Charity is following the recent very sad passing away of my friend's 19 month old son, Aidan Pond.  Aidan fought bravely against the terrible illness Mitochondrial Disease.  This is a complex, genetic  disease in which the muscles are gravely effected (the mitochondria being like the batteries to our cells). Sadly, effects different children in different ways, but mostly as in Aidan's particular case, is rapidly progressive and sadly there is currently no cure.  Aidan was a bright little boy trapped in a failing body, because he had no cure, all that could be done was to treat the symptoms as opposed to the cause. The family were given so much support during Aidan's short time and the care he received was World-class.  The Dame Vera Lynn Trust were hugely inspirational to Aidan's family as they never gave up on Aidan. They support children with a wide spectrum of motor disabilities and within a final session Lucy (Aidan's mother) was moved to tears by what they had achieved in such a short time. Aidan was hospitalised for four months soon after. His parents and family worked tirelessly to get him home; however, sadly, Aidan had to say goodbye to his big sister Evie, Mum, Dad and all his family and friends in March this year.   Because of this and understanding just how hard it is for a small Charity to survive, yet the need is increasing, anything you can do to sponsor me will certainly help to motivate me in difficult Scottish weather conditions! (yes I know it's July,so still possible for snow!) But more importantly, raise some money for a fantastic Charity.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have the families full support, Mum Lucy, Dad Simon and Aidan's 3 year old sister Evie, for this venture.

Best wishes

Stuart