Hello all lovely family and friends

As some of you may know, Chris and I's lives have been recently touched by two of the cruellest diseases - the Big C & Big D (cancer and dementia). Chris' father was diagnosed with a type of blood plasma cancer and, almost the same week, his mother's dementia had deteriorated to beyond the point for us to care for her at home. Both are doing ok, thanks to the wonderful care they have received from their local cancer and dementia centres, and of course the support of their family and friends, just like you.

While visiting Eddie in hospital, I was talking about how much I had loved running all the hills around Wodonga, and an idea popped into my head. Why not try to run them non-stop and raise some money at the same time? So the seed was sown, and in the wee hours of the 11/12 May starting in darkness, Chris and I will attempt to run, cycle, walk and crawl 50 miles (80kms) and climb over 7000ft (2160m). We will summit seven local hills, including some well-known landmarks such as Mt Baranduda, Huon and Federation Hills - only supported by our good mate, Danny McCuaig, and Chris family, Eddie, Sue and sister.

The story doesn't end there. On the front page is a photo of my 'adopted' sister, Kate Weir. On 3 Feb, after less than 3 weeks of taking ill, Kate passed away. She died only 2 days after being diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer. She was an incredible equine vet, friend, 'sister', wife and mother to William (6) and Elizabeth (3), who miss her terribly. We all do. With her husband and father's blessings, we will be dedicating this Wodonga Hills 50-miler run in memory of Kate. We hope it will be a fitting tribute, combining two of Kate's passions - running and travel (well I am at least travelling to the other side of the world!)

So please give generously. Your money will be split 3 ways: Kate Weir Memorial Fund; Albury-Wodonga Cancer Centre and Westmont Aged Care. The money will go directly into them and directly help others.