10th January, 2015 

I have finally achieved it!  My target to raise £10,000 for The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund has been reached.  Here is how it came to an end. 

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I undertook three sessions of charity Christmas wrapping in Uxbridge shopping centre.  These were followed by a day handing out charity leaflets for HACS (Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support) at the local Barclays bank. When I totalled these last donations, it was a thrill to find I had, at last, reached my promised donation to support our Royal Marines.  

Now it is over, I would like to say a big  THANK  YOU  to the many friends and relations for their wonderful support and for volunteering their help at every opportunity.  Of these, I have singled out the following people who exceeded the boundaries of generosity with their time in helping me achieve my goal:  Lily, Chris and Gwen and of course, Jackie and Doug who erected and ran the mini-Commando course on every occasion I asked them.  My friend Kareth, the computer whizz in Scotland who so kindly gave her time to keep my 'Just Giving' site up to date.  The final thank you goes to everyone who parted with their money to give to this, what I am sure you will agree, very worthy charity.  

That's it, folks.  

Sally

1st December, 2014 

Gwen and I ran a tombola and a bric-a-brac stall at the 8th Hayes Scout Christmas Fayre last week.   I'm pleased to have added a further £37 to my total.  Thank you to everyone who supported us on the day.  

November, 2014

I cannot believe that it is two years since my adrenalin-boosting zip wire descent from the roof of St Pancras Station with the Royal Marines.  Since then I, together with a wonderful band of volunteers, have raised funds for RMCTF.  

In December last, I decided I had called upon my volunteers and friends above and beyond the call of duty and they were in need of a rest - as was I.  However, it was not long before a request came through from the organisers of the Fete in Datchet, Berkshire asking if I would bring the mini-commando course to their show in July.   Both Jackie and Doug, the Scout Leaders of the 8th Hayes, once again willingly said "yes" when I asked for their help.  They also provided most of the equipment which this year included a climbing wall.  Lily and Chris again took the money and handed out the goodies bags and certificates while Gwen did her usual wonderful stint on the Tombola ("Every Ticket a Winner!").  That day we raised £160.  

'Apple Day' at Home Cottage Farm, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire then asked for us for a repeat of the mini-commando course at their festival in October.  Needlessto say, the above "crew", together with Anne and Shelagh helped create a day to remember, especially for the children.  We raised a total of £373 which Lily kindly was able to match-fund via a Barclays Bank initiative, having been an employee with 30 years service under her belt.  

At the beginning of November, it was with pleasure that Doug and I (Jackie unfortunately having another commitment at the last minute) accepted an invitation to The Bridge Cafe in Datchet to receive a cheque for £250, made out to the RMCTF from the Datchet Donations Committee.  Whispers abounded that they would like us to appear at next year's fete!  

My next stint toward the final £500 will be on Saturday 27th November at the 8th Hayes Scouts' Christmas Fayre when Gwen and I will be running a tombola and a bric-a-brac stall.  If you are in the area, do come and see us.  

Following that, and the last events for this year, will be Christmas gift wrapping sessions in the Chimes shopping centre, Uxbridge.  For a donation, I will personally wrap your chosen gift(s).   The dates I will be there are Sunday 30th November, Friday 12th and Wednesday 17th December.  I will be there for the mornings only, from 11 am on the Sunday and from 9.30 on the two weekdays.  Please help me get closer to my £10k target.  Thank you in advance.  

24th October, 2013.  

Yes, I've been silent for a few weeks.  A well-earned holiday perhaps?  No, not a trip around the world (oh, I wish) but organising another event to boost my total.  Following the success we had at Apple Day last year, I was asked to design, build and run another assault course this year.  I really must learn to say 'No' but not just yet.  

Again, my wonderful team of volunteers pulled out all the stops.  It's not until I look back that it hits me just how much work what seems like a simple event takes.  Without my helpers, there would be no achievements to add to this page.        

Saturday, 12th October, a week earlier than last year, was chosen to celebrate everything to do with apples at Home Cottage Farm, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.  The rain held off which added to the numbers who flocked in to not only buy local produce but to have a fun day out with their family.  

We were a little way away from the main events area which meant a few folk peered at us from afar, wondering what was going on.  The children soon discovered us then persuaded their parents to let them have a go, or three, on the mini-commando course.  Jackie and Doug deserve a special mention as they were once again brilliant at setting the course up, providing both muscle power and equipment.  

Each child had to complete three laps of the course.  As they ran through the Finish line for the final time, they received a goodie bag containing an RM wrist band, a Commando Spirit sticker and a packet of raisins kindly donated by Tesco's in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire.  Some children loved the course so much, they persuaded their parents to part with money to allow them two or more turns.  

The tombola this year was a great money raiser.  Gwen did more than her stint.  With her gift of the gab and chatty outlook, she soon had people buying several tickets.  One of the prizes, a lovely cookery book donated by the vegetable box company of Abel and Cole was won by a young lady called Jessica.  When her mother saw it, she exclaimed, 'Oh, how marvellous.  I love vegetables.'  

After we packed up, cleaned up and made our weary way home, we totted up our takings.  I don't know who was more surprised when we wrote £390 at the bottom of the page.  Wow!  

 I thought this would be my last fund-raiser but it appears there may be one more on the horizon.  Watch this space.   

31st August, 2013

In July, once again my fantastic band of volunteers came up trumps creating a second mini commando course.  Following on from the success we had at Apple Day at Home Cottage Farm, Iver Heath last October, I was asked if I could create one for the Colne Valley Summer Festival at Denham Country Park.  Of course, without hesitation, I agreed.  ‘Yes’ is such a little word, so easy to say but you never think in advance of the repercussions.  I had to get a team together to design, build, equip and eventually man the course and only a few weeks in which to come up with the now promised goods. 

Volunteer stalwarts, Jackie and Doug, providers of most of the equipment for the Apple Day event again agreed to help construct things.  They even inveigled four colleagues to both help and to come along on the day to oversee the junior commandos.   Lots of my other volunteer team agreed to help with both the physical side and the running things at the event.  By the great day, my volunteers had created their second first-class mini commando course.  I’m so proud of them all.

In addition to the course, we held a Spot the Butterflies competition.  Colourful pictures hung from branches, nestled on the ground and were hidden in crevices around the course.  Stanley from Uxbridge won the Family of Four voucher to visit Butterfly World in Chigwell Green. 

Lily, one of the Nippies at the Tea and Strictly event, saw the children off at the start of the course.  Jackie’s colleagues helped the younger ones and oversaw the older children.  Chris, another Tea and Strictly Nippie, not in uniform this time, congratulated each child at the finish then presented them with a goodie bag and a certificate.  The certificates were generously designed and printed by volunteers.   

‘The best thing here,’ said one delighted Mum.  That comment made the hard work worth the worry. 

At the end of the day, after deducting payment for public insurance liability, I was able to send £300 to the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.  By that evening, once the adrenalin subsided, tired muscles and total exhaustion took over and I collapsed gratefully into bed for a welcome sleep.  

Post Script.  I’ve been asked if I will build another mini commando course at this year’s Apple Day Event.  Now, where’s my Iver Volunteers’ phone list? 

 

16th April, 2013.   

It's been a couple of months since my last fundraising update and time to bring you all up to date on what's been going on.  The last event I organised, a Coffee Morning in Fulmer Village Hall on the 9th April unfortunately didn't catch the numbers I had hoped for.  It was a case of quality rather than quantity when it came to numbers but the refreshments and children's craft activity brought in £120 to add to my total.  

It's slow going at the moment but so long as the money goes up, I'm heading in the right direction. 

17th February, 2013.  

The Royal Marines Association, Windsor and District Branch, who had previously donated £125 to my fund raising efforts, invited me to give them a talk about my progress.  They wanted to hear what I'd been up to and how I was planning to raise the remainder of the money.  The evening of Monday, 11th February saw me armed with road directions plus details about events past and those I plan for the future.  

As they hadn't seen it, I showed them the film my son, Jamie made of me taking the 'Leap of Faith' at St Pancras Station.  I went on to tell them about the Iver volunteers and their part in swelling the coffers.  Needless to say, I sang their praises as, without their support, I'd be nowhere near the current total.  With the latest contribution, as you probably know, I am over halfway to my goal of £10,000.  

After my talk, the RMS had their usual monthly raffle then told me the money raised would be given as a donation to my cause.  I have forwarded £60 to the Commando Spirit office, thanks to their generosity.  

The evening was most enjoyable and I met some really interesting former Marines who had many tales to tell.  

4th February, 2013.  

Already this new year of 2013 is speeding faster than that of light.  It can't just be a sign of ageing, surely?  

To update you, my faithful band of volunteers, helpers, fund-raisers and behind-the-scenes workers and webpage followers, I have some not-so-good and thankfully, some better news to impart.   

First, the St Valentine's dinner and dance, planned for the 16th of this month has had to be cancelled.  Perhaps people overspent on Christmas gifts or perhaps some of us are beyond the joys of youthful love and the romance that the 14th February brings.  Whatever, the hoped-for bookings didn't materialise and I have taken the decision to cut my losses and call the event off.  However ... 

On a more positive note, with the spending which takes place all over the country on the run up to St Valentine's Day, I thought it worth trying to cash in on this.  No, I am not about to solve the National Debt but do hope to swell my contribution to reaching my £10,000 target.  If you can shop in The Chimes, Uxbridge, on Sunday, 10th February to buy that special gift for your loved one, you can have it personally wrapped by yours truly.  Size of gift (almost) no object, although small, square boxes will be a speciality on this day only.  I am also practising wrapping both single blooms and bouquets of red roses.  Do come and say hello.  I still have a long way to go to reach my target, although I'm not far off half way and knowing you are supporting my efforts would give me a real boost.  

27th December 

Ah, the joys of Christmas, so long anticipated and so quickly past and gone.  I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I did mine.  

The fund raising goes on.  After two mammoth stints wrapping other people's Christmas gifts in both Staines and Uxbridge, I could apply for a job on Blue Peter as I'm now an expert with sticky-backed plastic!  

I've heard that I raised the magnificent sum of £365 at Staines which goes to show that folk appreciate having the hard work taken out of wrapping their presents.  

At Staines I was on my own for a lot of the time, swamped by colourful, shiny paper, tinsel, glittery string, scissors which kept vanishing under everything and an almost continuous queue of customers to contend with.  I was very pleased to see my friend, Nicholas when he turned up to help for an hour or so.  Despite having to queue, people were very friendly and pleasant, occasionally donating more than they had to.  However, there was one nasty woman who, when asked how many parcels I had wrapped for her said four.  I know there were at least 9 but after each was wrapped, she'd dropped it into her bag so I didn't say anything.  After all, it was Christmas.  She knows what she did and on her conscience be the guilt of short-changing the charity.  

With 2013 almost upon us, I'd like to take the opportunity of thanking everyone for all their hard work, encouragement and support during this year.  Without you all, I wouldn't have raised as much as I have.  

Finally, I hope you have put the St Valentine's dance in your diary and booked your place.   

4th December

Another dance coming up.  Keep Saturday, 16th February, 2013 available.  Grace, who provided so many of the delicious cakes for 'Tea & Strictly', has offered to organise another dance in aid of the RMCTF.  This time, it's a St Valentine's Dinner & Dance, 7 - 11 p.m. at the Royal Legion Club in Loudwater, High Wycombe.  Tickets are £25 per person and can be booked by calling 01753 655741.  Grace is also catering the event.  Apparently her curries are famous!  Don't miss out.  Book early to avoid disappointment.  Details are on the flyer on the photographs page.  

A gentleman called Fred will provide his DJ services free of charge and the music will cover ballroom, rock 'n roll plus Jive so look out those dancing shoes and start practising.  

I am also on the lookout for volunteers to help me on Sunday, 23rd December to wrap Christmas presents in Staines, anytime between 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.  All monies raised will be given to RMCTF.  If you can help, call 01753 655741 for details.  

Again, many thanks to everyone who is helping nudge the fundraising total toward my goal of £10,000.  

20th November

I have added £140 to the offline total.  £125 was donated by the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Marines Association and a further £15 came from Shelagh's afternoon tea last month.  Thank you to both.  

15th November

The sharp-eyed among you may notice the offline total has risen, thanks to match funding from Barclays, courtesy of two wonderful friends and helpers at the events.  £430 came from the Quiz Night back in October - it seems a long time ago now. £376 came from Apple Day.  

I have added a couple of photos from the Tea & Strictly event last Sunday and hope to have some more soon.  

12th November  

Yesterday, after four months of fund raising, the "Tea and Strictly" event at Pinewood Film Studios, Iver Heath, was my Grand Finale for this year.   

Music, ballroom dancing plus a refined afternoon tea with home-made cakes while chatting over cups of tea, our little fingers in the air of course, was enjoyed by one and all.  We had 'nippies' waiting at tables and even a 'Mrs Overall' with her wobbly tray doing a splendid job.  

None of this would have been possible without the help of many friends and I would particularly like to mention the sterling efforts of Lily, Chris,Grace, Jill and Hazel for coming up trumps with the catering.  I'd like to thank Theresa for her invaluable enthusiasm, support and time in helping me achieve my target.  The floral decorations were made and donated by Bernie, a lovely teacher of my acquaintance who knows all about the trauma and heartache soldiers go through whilst on active service.  Her son, who serves in the Royal Artillery, has completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan and thank goodness, has survived to return to his family.  

Another thank you goes to Nicholas who has supported my endeavours and kept an eye on the monies taken.  Even now he is huddled in his garret sorting out the finances from yesterday.  Once he emerges, I will be able to increase my grand total.  

The astute among you will have noted I said it was my grand finale for this year.  Yes, I will keep going into 2013 to raise the remainder of the money I pledged.  

K-e-e-p watching this page for an update.  

28th October  

Today was the refined afternoon tea at my friend Shelagh's house on the outskirts of Denham, Bucks.  A grand total of 25 turned up to enjoy gorgeous sandwiches and cakes, most of which were made by Shelagh.  I met lovely people plus some of the volunteers who have helped me in the past.  We raised a magnificent £154 which I have added to my Offline donations.  Without these lovely people, I couldn't have acheived as much as I have.  I really am very grateful to you all.  

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, the tea dance in Uxbridge was cancelled at short notice so no moneys were raised from that.  

22nd October    Apple Day

Saturday was a big success.  After a slow start, word obviously got round about our children's Assault Course and both the 100 certificates and goody bags ran out by 3 pm.  For the last hour, we halved the cost and gave out Royal Marine wrist bands as prizes which went down just as well. Thanks go to the four Royal Marine Cadets from Lima Company, Ruislip for doing such a great job making sure the children safely negotiated the circuit.  

Secondly, thanks above and beyond the call of duty go to all those wonderful friends who put the fun into fundraising.  Too many to mention individually here.  They include my team of home bakers, those who put up and took down the scout tent, bunting and signs, those who provided equipment, the helpers on the assault course, the ladies who manned the tables and the Teddy Tombola organisers. Also the artistic people who ran the activities of tattoos, bead dolls and salt dough painting.  Finally, those who sorted things out, cleared things up and were invaluable gofers.  None of you put in a claim for expenses and one even paid for our 'pitch' which allowed me to donate more to the charity.  Again, my thanks for both your time and generosity.  I couldn't have done it without your help and encouragement.  

And next weekend .....

A reminder that on Sunday 28th October, there are not one but two events on the same afternoon.  A Tea Dance in Uxbridge and an afternooon tea near Denham Village so keep the afternoon free for one or both of those.

In Uxbridge, Sammy, who does a lot of fund raising for the Forces, has agreed to organise a tea dance in the Pavilions shopping centre. If you haven't visited the Forces Tearooms there, it's a wonderful cafe that sells memorabelia from the war years and is decked out in1940s style.  I'll post more info on the Pavilions tea dance as I get them.  

The second event is a more refined 'Keep the Spirit Going' afternoon tea which good friends of mine are hosting at their home on the outskirts of Denham Village.  3 - 5 pm and costing just £5 per person. If you can attend this, phone 01753 655741 for details and address.  

Just a thought .... Why not add calories sipping a cup of Earl Grey and nibbling on a cucumber sandwich or scone at the afternoon tea then burn them off at the tea dance afterwards.    

16th October. 

 Time is getting short for raising the remainder of the funds I've promised but with more events on the horizon, I'm staying positive. You'll see on the Updates column that Apple Day at Home Cottage Farm, Iver Heath is this coming Saturday, the 20th October.  If you've been before, you'll know what a great day it is.  

This year, I've planned new and more ambitious activities including painting salt dough figures for the artistic and a mini assault course for active children.  Don't worry, I don't plan on having visitors' offspring zip wire from the top of the marquee to the ground in record time!  All children will have their feet firmly on the ground as they attempt to complete an assault course.  Those who complete the course will be awarded with a specially designed certificate of achievement.  

With it being so successful in past years, Clare has again agreed to run a Teddy Tombola which is always a winner for fund raising. Thanks, Clare.  

That's it for today.  I'm now permanently shattered, wilted and increasingly witless but the funding is increasing which makes all the hard work worthwhile. 

 

2nd October Updates and Comments  

As promised, the breakdown of the latest 'offline' donations which came to £607.

The "Taking Advantage of your Generosity" buffet lunch at Rosemary and Geoff's was something not to be missed and enjoyed by everyone.  35 people turned up for a smashing event, with lots of lovely food, accompanied by great chatter and natter.  The laughter levels were off the scale at times!  If I could donate laughter, we'd be on to a winner.  Even minus laughter, donations came to an unbelievable £405, showing how extraordinarily generous some people can be.  My thanks to everyone who took part.  You know who you are.  

Today's Bring and Buy Sale, hosted by my sister, Jane and her daughter, Katie (thanks, girls) generated £202!  Again, lots of chatter over cups of tea, catching up with friends, family and meeting new supporters.  I was amazed at the wonderful generosity of some people buying goods on offer at £1 and saying to keep the change when they handed over a £5 or £10 pound note.  Several times during the event, we showed the film my son, Jamie made of me zipping from the dizzy heights of St Pancras station which reminded everyone why I'd risked life and limb last month.  Maybe it was psychological but donations seemed to increase following each showing.  Again, thank you everyone for your support. 

Tonight, all I have to say is that I am shattered but happily so.  

 

The view from 100 feet up in the rafters of St Pancras station was awesome.  What can I say but that the abseil was brilliant!  The Royal Marines team was absolutely fantastic; so gentle in their encouragement that I knew I would safely Take the Leap thanks to their support and professionalism.  

Trained and trussed, I was launched for my abseil on a zip wire at supersonic speed, descending from roof to ground in what felt like a couple of seconds.  Too short.  I want to go back and do it again!  

Fifteen very vocal, wonderful relatives and friends came from near and far to support my effort and they deserve a mention.  They were Jane, David, Katie, Gwen and Theresa, all from Buckinghamshire. From Middlesex were Geoff, Rosemary, Witek, Lily, Elizabeth and Chris.  Poppy and her granddaughter, Sissy made a surprise appearance having travelled from Hampshire and from deepest Wiltshire came Carole.  My lovely son, Jamie took time away from work to film proceedings and I cannot wait to see what he produces. Having everyone there made the event even more special for me. The unexpected bottle of celebratory champagne which we enjoyed later ended a very memorable day.  

Once my adrenalin rush subsides, the fundraising will continue unabated.  Keep watching the Updates area of my page for future events and information.  

July 2012

I couldn't believe it when the organisers called me to say I had won the competition in 'The Lady' magazine!  I have willingly taken on the challenge of fundraising for our Royal Marines by choosing to Take The Leap - an eye-watering abseil from the roof of St Pancras Station. This exciting feat will mirror the arduous training all Royal Marines face to gain their green beret. 

 So what will I be doing on 14 September?

Well, I will be trained with the Royal Marines Display Team and will then be trussed up into a harness and required to leap from the roof of St Pancras Station watched by my no doubt terrified supporters. The least you can do is sponsor me!  

If you can come to watch me risk life and limb, I'd appreciate your support on the day.  I don't know exactly where things are happening in the station but a crowd of Royal Marines together with we amateur abseilers shouldn't be too hard to spot.  Allow enough time to find us before midday as there's a photo call at 1200, followed at 1230 by the RM Corps of Drums.  After that, at 1300, the Leap commences when our morning's training with the Royal Marines team becomes a reality and we hurtle earthward from somewhere in the roof space.  

 Why the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund?

The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund helps Royal Marines and their families when they need it most. They aid the wounded and injured. They give quality of life to those returning from operations. And when the worst happens, they support the families of those who die in service. The RMCTF has the widest purposes of almost any service charity - quite simply, the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund will help when others cannot.

Do have a look at the video at:

The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1AUo1pnoVM

What is the Commando Spirit Series?

The Commando Spirit Series of events offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences to test your mettle and gain a rare and privileged insight into what it means to be a Royal Marines Commando today. The events will pit participants against some of the most formidable aspects of the Commando training, stretch them to achieve their fundraising commitments of up to £25,000 each and buddy them up with a former or serving Royal Marine who will provide motivation and encouragement when the going gets tough. If you have what it takes – you can do this and if you would like to please contact me or email info@commandospirit.com

 What is Take The Leap?

Take The Leap, set to take place in autumn 2012, will offer an elite group of civilian participants the chance to feel what it’s like to abseil off buildings and take on Royal Marines abseil training putting their new skills into practice by abseiling from Europe’s tallest building - The Shard, situated in the heart of London’s financial district - on 3rd September, the roof of St Pancras Station on 14th September.

For more information visit www.commandospirit.com

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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So please dig deep and donate now.