To all my friends,

On the 17th April 2011, I am embarking on my first and probably last London Marathon, which has been a personal goal and ambition of mine for many years. I have competed in the London and Blenheim triathlons in the past few years, and they have provided me with great focus, fitness and determination to live my life, by aiming to push myself further.

I have been accepted for the London Marathon without the requirement to raise funds for charity, however whilst knowing of my successful application for some time, I have considered that I should use this event to raise funds for a worthwhile cause and whilst there are 1000's of deserving charities that I could choose, I have been emotionally impacted by a recent life changing accident to a friend of mine, who is suffering severe physical hardship, has focused my determination to make a small difference to his recovery.

I have known Cliff Attewell for a number of years and he lives close by to myself, unfortunately at the latter part of last year Cliff was involved in an accident at work which resulted in breaking his neck in 3 separate places and crushing his spinal cord which has rendered him paralysed from the neck down. He has spent all his time at the Stoke Mandeville spinal unit, and in the next 6 – 8 weeks will be transferred back home to re join his wife and two children who are 9 and 6. Cliff has previously ran Marathons and Triathlons to raise monies for charities and for people who were less fortunate than
himself.

I see this as an ideal time for me to raise funds in order for our local group to raise sufficient monies and in order modify Cliff's home with vital support equipment and make his future life as comfortable as possible whilst surrounded by his family and friends.

I am really dreading running 26 miles and the closer the date is coming the more I am becoming tenser, however I know when I hit the wall, the thought of contributing to help a friend who may never walk again will give me all the motivation I need.

I can issue an official sponsorship form and I have set up a separate card payment account within our on line system, to collect and record all payments, as Cliff isn't a registered charity I cannot set up a Just giving or other similar sites and so my appeal is personal and I will report back as to how the money I raise is making a difference to Cliff and his Family.

I hope you will be able to make a small donation and I maybe late into work on the 18th trying to recover from my aches and pains.

Dave Hope

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How to make a donation?

Please call me on 07802 829542 or the office number 01277 202010 to make a donation or e-mail me at david.hope@crystalcollections.com

Please forward this request onto any other colleagues that may be interested in sponsoring me as I would greatly appreciate it in attempt to raise as much money as possible.