Run a 100km Ultra Marathon up the Wye Valley

[p]I am raising money for a Monmouthshire charity, Bridges Centre, that provides invaluable help to vulnerable / isolated adults in the community via, amongst other things, community car schemes, befriending support and a volunteering for wellbeing project.[/p][p]For the past two and a half years I have been on a journey of recovery from severe depression and anxiety and Bridges Centre has been, and still is, a massive support for me.[/p][p]As part of my recovery journey I was encouraged to consider doing some voluntary work and at the end of 2016 I started volunteering with a group based at Bridges Centre in Monmouth. This was at a time when I found it a challenge to leave the house and very difficult to be around other people yet I was made to feel safe and able to contribute in a way that was comfortable for me. What I didn't know was this is a trademark of the way the Bridges Centre Volunteering for Wellbeing project works, taking volunteers from across Monmouthshire and with understanding, training and support, helping them to contribute to their community to the benefit of all.[/p][p]This has led to me extending my volunteering by starting to help as a driver/co-ordinator for one of their car schemes which opened my eyes to the massive difference these services make locally. It made me realise how much I took for granted being able to drive and what it might be like if, as often happens, overnight I was unable to use my car anymore. This situation is often combined with mobility problems or disability which can have a seismic effect on an elderly persons life. The car scheme and befriending services provide valuable support to help such people to continue living active lives. I have therefore decided to raise some money to help them continue the invaluable support they provide.[/p][p]Gathering my spirit, bravado and with a touch of derring-do I naively decided to take on the Wye Valley Challenge in which I will run (walk or, if necessary, crawl) 100km (approx 63 miles) from Chepstow to Hereford. The run is mainly off road alongside the river and is equivalent to completing two and a half marathons continuously and will take me 15-17hrs to complete.[/p][p]It would be fantastic if you could make a contribution to my fundraising. Thank you in advance for any and all support you are able to give. It's really appreciated and makes a real difference to local peoples lives[/p][p][br][/p][p]If you would like to know more about the support the Bridges Centre charity (www.bridgescentre.org.uk) provide I have put together a short summary below :-[/p][p][br][/p][p]Volunteering for Wellbeing[/p][p]www.volunteeringmonmouthshire.org.uk[/p][p]Doing something useful or ‘giving’ can help us to feel positive and valued; this can improve our health and wellbeing. Volunteering provides meaningful roles and activities for us within our community; this gives us confidence and a sense of purpose and belonging. [/p][p]We train and support volunteers from across Monmouthshire who then help with groups and activities, bringing people together to help to improve wellbeing, enable friendships and support networks to develop, and help people to feel more involved with their community.[/p][p] [/p][p]Community Connections[/p][p]www.befriendingmonmouthshire.org.uk[/p][p]Community Connections is a local befriending scheme working across the county of Monmouthshire. We link volunteers with older people that are isolated and lonely and offer a bit of practical and friendly help. We also help organise groups across the county for those people to help them to meet and socialise with others.[/p][p] [/p][p]Community Car Scheme[/p][p]The service has been set up to provide friendly, flexible transport for people who have difficulty accessing public transport or face barriers using taxi services or existing community transport services. In a rural county this helps people get out of their homes and access local groups/activities, health services etc[/p][p][br][/p][p]Building Bridges[/p][p]www.buildingbridgesproject.org.uk[/p][p]The project supports young people with additional needs who are aged 14 to 25 to get involved in fun activities, make new friends and to understand/access work related options in Monmouthshire.[/p][p][br][/p][p]Drybridge House[/p][p]The charity runs Drybridge House in Monmouth which is a versatile independent centre dedicated to creating a safe and friendly environment in which people of all ages can find activities, support and information. The centre provides:-[/p][p]· a base for a number of charities working with families, older people, adults with learning disabilities and others who need extra support.[/p][p]· a place for older people to socialise and avoid isolation through our Social Circles group and activities like the weekly intergenerational tea dance.[/p][p]· a seed bed from which new projects and ideas can grow, to meet the needs we identify in our community. [/p][p]· an affordable, accessible venue and home for many societies, classes and clubs. [/p][p]· a value for money venue for weddings, christenings, funerals & celebrations based in the historic Drybridge House which it preserves and nurtures. [/p][p]· It also makes a difference to the lives of the thousands of people who walk through our doors each week to take part in sports, leisure, social, arts, learning activities, public meetings, exhibitions, concerts, weddings and other performances.[/p]