Morning, morning,

As the subject says, I'm afraid I'm emailing to ask a small favour........in a nutshell a couple of pennies, or pounds, if that doesn’t sound too greedy. 

For a variety of reasons back in October I decided to revise the strategy and set myself different quarterly targets, the upshot is I find myself signed up for a 50km walk in the Himalayas care of Just Challenge in March and the Paris Marathon in April.  Safe to say I have bitten off far more than I can chew…..time to rethink things!   

Over the last few weeks Eastenders has been replaced with spinning, yoga, and running. Anyone unfortunate enough to have seen me puff round Richmond Park on Sunday could easily be forgiven for thinking a beetroot had escaped nearby Petersham Nurseries.  I am still a long way off ready to take on these challenges and am feeling seriously daunted  (aka bricking it) to say the least. 

I fully appreciate that I only have myself to blame for signing up for these events.  Some of you would argue that walking 8 hours a day at altitude and camping, followed by pounding the streets of Paris, is infinitely more luxurious than living in Acton, unsurprisingly I would beg to differ.  It really would make it much more worthwhile and help me when I’m wanting to through the proverbial toys out the pram if I knew I was helping others through my efforts. You’ve guessed it…..this is where you come in. 

Just Challenge has joined forces with Laureus Sport for Good which is who I have chosen to support too.  I have set a target of £2,500 which would provide sufficient funding to provide 100 disadvantaged children in India the opportunity to engage in education and sport for one year, including the funding of equipment, training and volunteers to build a sustainable programme. When the chips feel like they’re down I personally find sport one of the more effective ways of putting a smile back on my face, often taking for granted what facilities I have on my doorstep, so am super keen to give others such opportunities. 

I’ve set up a JustGiving page here which is hopefully very straightforward to use: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rosiewilkins.  My Father managed it which is saying something!

For the avoidance of doubt I have already personally funded all flights, trains, visas, kit etc for both challenges so anything you are kind enough to donate will go directly to supporting Laureus' fantastic work!

If you’ve read this far thank you, if you then go onto donate then an even bigger thank you, I really am super grateful. 

Lastly, suggestions for Q3 and Q4 on a postcard please…..