I am Mum to Laura who was diagnosed two years ago with Minacore Myopathy. I don’t need to say how helpless I feel as a parent, as there is nothing we can do to relieve our children of Muscular Dystrophy.
Laura and Kate Bizzey preparing for the Sahara trek

When I flicked through Campaign in January, out fell a flier about the Trek in the Moroccan Sahara in November. When I read the colourful flier, I knew immediately that the Trek was something constructive that I could do for Laura, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and everybody else who suffers.

I also knew that if I didn’t send off my £250.00 registration fee right there and then, it could turn out to be something I just talked about. I would worry about the whys and wherefores later!!

So, duly registered - I had long chats with Annie Jackson who has become a new friend and wonderful support to me during my fundraising. I didn’t feel easy about asking for money and I had no experience of arranging fundraising events. But with the Trek ahead and a minimum of £2,500 to raise, I just had to get on with it.

I composed several different letters aimed at different sectors of people, public figures, friends, relations, emails to folk overseas etc. I also wrote to several local businesses and a couple of celebrity chefs for raffle prizes. Then, via a Google search, I discovered Just Giving. Com. A wonderful site where I was able to compile my own page where people could donate online and I could advertise my total to date.

Money just started arriving, in alarming amounts, from the most surprising people. Word of mouth also played a huge part and I was passed amounts from £5.00 to £500.00. It has been a very moving experience and Laura and I are humbled by the generosity of our friends and acquaintances.

With the help of a few friends I arranged a charity walk. We live in a rural location on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, so scenic walks aren’t hard to plan! I was lent a fabulous barn, food for a light lunch was donated, raffle prizes were produced and a route planned. We had about 40 people, bright sunshine and a great day. I charged £10.00 to come, sold masses of raffle tickets, received a huge amount from people who couldn’t come, but wanted to support and raised in excess of £900.00! I shall do this event annually.

I have a new confidence and feel I have learnt a new skill. I can fundraise and over the years I will do more, I have touched the tip of an iceberg. But mainly I am now officially eligible Trek in November with the first independent Trek for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign with my total currently at just over £5,000.00.

Sponsor laura and Kate here:www.justgiving.com/walkforlaura