"One evening in January I was flicking through the newspaper and saw an advert for the 'Macmillan Cancer Support Cambodia Trekking Challenge'. Having not heard of this before, I immediately took a look at the charity's website. As soon as I read about Macmillan and the itinerary for the trip, I thought how perfect and signed up straight away!!
"Although, I have been fortunate not to have had anyone close to me affected by cancer; I did spend some time with an ex-colleague of mine a few days before she sadly passed away to lung cancer. My memories of her sitting in her arm chair with pipes in her arms, talking so positively and generally appearing as 'Happy as Larry' will live with me forever. That is just one of the reasons why it felt so right to sign up to the challenge!!
"Macmillan Cancer Support is such a worth while charity that I could not wait to start fundraising to help raise the much needed funds to continue providing care and support to patients and their families and friends.
"I started my fundraising straight away by telling family and friends who said they would spread the word for me as well as all very kindly gave me a donation! Amongst other things, I organised a Charity Summer Ball in Nottingham on Friday 6th July 2007. The months of preparation for the Summer Ball meant I spent many a restless night hoping I would secure 200 guests from the sale of the tickets. On the evening of the ball, the generosity of my 182 guests meant that I raised £2,722.94 from the auction and the raffle. I was really pleased and proud by what I had achieved. My family, friends and guests made it an amazing evening to remember. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support and kindness.
"I can tell you that it was my intention to have a rewarding glass of wine or two but as the night went on I was so busy and enjoying looking after everyone that I didn't get round to eating my meal or even to have my celebratory drink!!
"For anyone who is thinking about fundraising I would definitely say give it a go. You will need to be dedicated and give time and energy towards the planning and organisation but the effort will be well worth it!
"Everyone who attended the 'Summer Ball' thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They've even suggested I do another one next year! At this moment in time, I need to concentrate on getting fit for the trek. I go walking at the weekends and walk home from work at least once a week! I am even going camping for my birthday to get the practise in as I have never camped properly before!!
"Looking back over the passed few months I can't believe how much I've changed. Since signing up for the challenge I like the change in myself. I have become a lot more adventurous, stopped taking things for granted and started looking at life a lot more positively…and I am loving it!!
"I have now raised a total of £4,600 and I am paying for the trip myself! I really want to raise £5,000 so keep your fingers crossed for me!"