Walk to d’feet MND

Thank you to Liz Burnley, Chief Guide 2006 -2011

Combining the accent on adventure in the programme with thanks and recognition for time served by Liz Burnley as Chief Guide, Girlguiding UK has signed up with a team to climb Kilimanjaro in October 2011. We will be taking part in order to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease in memory of Roger Burnley the Chief Guide’s husband and Patience Baden-Powell a former Chief Commissioner both of whom died of the disease in the last 2 years.

Leading from the front will be Liz Burnley closely followed by Denise King (Chief Executive) and Hilary Chittock (former member Senior Management Team).

The fitness challenge:

To climb Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa as part of an organised trek with the MND Association.  The challenge will take place during 5 – 15 October 2011, with the climb being over 7 days!  The climb will be to an altitude of 5,985m/19,341ft!

The fundraising challenge:

In order to take part in this adventure we have to raise at least £12,000 between us!  We will be setting up a Just Giving page connected to the MND site… and welcome any contribution to support us! (Details to follow).

If you prefer to make a donation by cheque this can be sent made out to E Burnley c/o Emma Baldwin who will collect them and pass them on.  If you are contributing as an individual please include your name and address (including postcode) so that we may be able to collect Gift Aid.
Emma Baldwin c/o 17-19 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PT
emma.baldwin@girlguiding.org.uk.

The Publicity Challenge:

Please promote awareness of this project throughout the membership – we would like to say a huge and sincere thanks to the Chief Guide for all she has done in the last five years. In true Guide fashion she has chosen to ask for support for this cause in lieu of any other gifts.

If you would like to send a message of thanks/good luck, these can be sent by email or post to Barbara Mathieson and will be collated for a presentation to Liz in May 2011.
Barbara Mathieson c/o 17-19 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PT Barbara.mathieson@girlguiding.org.uk.

MND - The Facts:

o   Motor Neurone Disease kills five people every day in the UK.

o   MND is the name given to a group of related diseases affecting the motor neurones (nerve cells) in the brain and spinal cord. As the motor neurones gradually die, the muscles stop working.

o   MND is a rapidly progressive, fatal disease that can affect any adult at any time. The cause of MND is unknown and there is no known cure.

o   Life expectancy for most people with MND is just two to five years, and around half will die within 14 months of diagnosis.

o   MND leaves people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves, but the intellect and the senses usually remain unaffected. People with MND can still think and feel, but their muscles refuse to work.