Avril's Great Wall of China Run
Sponsor Avril's Great Wall of China Run for Cancer Research
One of my long held dreams has been to do the Great Wall of China Half Marathon. This dream was second only to my dream of running one, and only one marathon, the New York Marathon, a dream which I achieved in 2007! It was by far one of the most memorable and awesome experiences of my life, despite the effects of sore muscles in every part of my body for weeks afterwards. This year I have been fortunate to secure a place in the Great Wall of China Half Marathon on 15 May 2010! This is likely to be every bit, and possibly more, challenging than the NYC Marathon, as this is at a higher altitude, and there are over 4,000 steps in the run. Within the first 9 kms, runners will be challenged by over 1,800 steps!
I ran the NYC Marathon just for me, as it was one of my greatest dreams. However, I wanted to do something memorable for the Great Wall Run for others, so I set about looking for a “partner” for whom I could raise funds. I am delighted to announce that I am an official fund raiser for this event for the Cancer Research Foundation. They receive NO government funding, yet they allocate grants to medical researchers who do amazing work searching for cures for various cancers. Without these grants some of the greatest cancer cures would not have been discovered.
I have set a target of raising $15,000, so I am appealing to you, my clients, colleagues, friends and family to sponsor me as I challenge myself physically, mentally and emotionally – something cancer patients do every day of their lives. I was inspired to do this by the Great Wall of China Walk for Cancer led by Olivia Newton John. I watched her documentary on Boxing Day 2009, and was so moved by the courage and tenacity of the cancer survivors who accompanied her on the journey. They ranged in age from early 30s to 50s, both men and women. Cancer does not discriminate based on culture, gender or age. It can strike when least expected, and has a devastating effect on both the victim and their loved ones.
Please be generous and sponsor me either through your organisation or personally, by going to my fundraising page. On my page you can enter the amount and a message wishing me well (especially my knees), and at any time can check my progress in terms of my fundraising efforts. Please feel free to pass my newsletter on anyone else who may have been touched by cancer and would like to make a donation.
Warm regards,
Avril Henry