Having sent countless e-mails with no response I decided a week ago to try a different approach. My thinking was a more personal approach. The following is a draft which was sent with a few changes to suit two well known philanthropists, one either side of the atlantic, in the hope that they would understand why this expedition is so important to me. I don't mind criticism so feel free to fire away....life's a learning curve!!
Dear **********
I am sure you receive lots of letters but I believe this one is different to most. I would be enormously grateful if you would take the time to read it so that you may have an idea of who I am, what motivates me, what I am about to attempt to do and how I intend using my talents and experiences to help others. My aim is to raise £1,000,000+ for charitable organisations.
Two years ago after the break up of a 23 year relationship I found myself homeless, penniless and sleeping in my car; a car which I later sold to enable me to row across the Atlantic for charity. When I was finally given a homeless flat I had to rebuild my life piece by piece. Many nights I sat by candlelight for both warmth and light, reading passages by Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, writing in my diary, questioning if the road I had chosen and the sacrifices I had made were the correct ones.
I have always believed that one day that path would not only change my life and lead me to where I wanted to be, but also that it would have the ability to change others lives through charitable support. That it would have the ability to inspire others, to make them aware, as in the words of Nelson Mandela, "Even the most fantastic dreams can be achieved if we are prepared to endure life's challenges." That belief is what drives me and ensures that I have never and will never give up in following my dreams.
When I moved into my flat the first thing I did was to pin a map of America to my bedroom wall so that it was the last thing I saw at night and the first thing my eyes fell upon in the morning. The reason: I always believed that one day I would run across it, America that is, not the map! I am absolutely determined to realise that dream this year, no matter what it takes. My target for this expedition alone is £200,000+ in charitable donations.
I am at present looking for sponsorship for this expedition. I have some degree of support from companies, which has enabled me to buy most of the equipment needed, but if I am un-successful in gaining a sponsor I will attempt to sell the entire contents of my flat to raise the extra funds needed to reach America and survive the 3,100 mile solo crossing from San Francisco to New York.
Although I have chosen two high profile veterans charities, one American and one British, which I believe will maximise the media attention on the expedition, I would be honoured to include your ********** and any other charities with which you are involved. It is my view that we can achieve anything in life that we set our hearts and minds to, but that sometimes we also need someone else to believe and trust in our integrity and drive to help us realise our potential.
After the run I would like to start visiting schools, colleges and organisations, delivering speeches and presentations with these messages and that perhaps somewhere, someone will find strength and inspiration from my personal experiences as I have from others.
I am inspired by the way you give back to other people and hope you would be interested in supporting this venture.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you in the near future.
Yes it's a stab in the dark.... as the chances of these or any other letters and the expedition details landing on the desk of the correct person are slim and I know they are very busy people but it's always worth a go!
Trained tonight for the first time in a long while, tired but happy with it :) My shoulder continues to give me trouble despite some deep tissue massage from myself. It's the legacy of so many push ups through the years, most likely scar tissue, but by gritting my teeth I got through it and will continue to do so.
A big warm bath with a very girly smelling ' Lilac and Silk' Tesco bubble bath....it was the cheapest they had!! Reminds me somewhat of the aroma from our cab on the North Atlantic trip.....NOT!! This was followed up with two boiled eggs, some protein powder and a glass of white wine whilst sitting blogging in my underpants and socks..........one white one and one pink one....washing accident but very pleasant on the eye if I must say so myself!
Bed now me thinks, to dream of fluffy bunnies and ponies!
Night all
Dondo
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