Hello, I'm Libby, the Office and HR Manager at Leapfrogg and this year Leapfrogg is raising money for a little lady called Lyra through the Tree of Hope Children's Charity.

Lyra was born on the 16th July 2012 with severe brain damage and congenital CMV – a common but little known condition, which causes jaundice, brain damage, liver problems, hearing loss and vision problems. CMV is a common virus that can effect people of all ages with no signs or symptoms, and no long-term effects, however it can be very dangerous to unborn babies. This is what happened to little Lyra.

Lyra is not even two years old yet, her life so far has been very difficult and challenging for both her and her family. Even though every day comes with a different challenge to overcome, Lyra is a loving little girl who smiles and loves a good cuddle! (I know, I've had one)

We would love to help make Lyra's life just that little bit better by helping her and her parents Lucy and James in paying for very expensive therapies and equipment needed to improve her standard of life to keep that smile on her face.

So, myself and my other half Steve are going to be cycling the South Downs Way in July, a 100 mile journey across two days. We will be setting off from Winchester VERY early on the morning of July 19th. We will be making our way along some tough terrain with A LOT of uphill, over 10,000 feet of climbing! We will be cycling about 60 miles to Steyning on the first day where we will camp for the night. On Sunday we will then set off to complete our 100 mile challenge and finish up in Eastbourne with extremely sore bottoms!!

You may think this is a jolly, I assure you it is not, we have never attempted anything like this so it really is a challenge for both of us so please dig deep into your pockets and donate  so we can support Lyra and her family.

If you would like more information on Lyra's life so far please visit her blog www.thelifeoflyra.co.uk

THANK YOU for your support in advance!

Libby and Steve x