Empire State Building Run up 2023

20 YEARS ON - CAN SHE DO IT!?

Hi I'm Denise and I am taking part in the Empire State Building Run up (1576 steps -aaargh!)

Lots of you will know that I took part in the Empire State Building Run up in 2002 to mark my 40th year on earth. So, of course, it makes sense to try again, 20 years on - NOT! I remember walking along 5th Ave in 2002 with my 2 children ( 9yrs and 7yrs) , stomach churning at the height of the buildings. My daughter said, 'it's not THAT tall Mum' . When you've been training in 4 storey buildings it seems very very tall!!!:)

In 2002 , the training was the hardest I had ever done and guess what? - it still is! I have been trying to 'get fit' since 1984 - a long uphill struggle - but with great friendships along the way. My personal coaches ( Jools and JT), always there with threats and motivational messages, family ready to advise on the (lack of) wisdom in some hairbrain schemes. But my life has been charmed compared with some others.

This time I am raising money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation who help empower individuals with physical disabilities around the world through sports. (The target is £2500). I would also like to donate funds to my local palliative care unit - Y Bwthyn Newydd at the Princess of Wales hospital who do such wonderful work for end of life care. So anything raised over the £2500 set target will go to Y Bwthyn.

The mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is intricately tied to the challenges of our time - a global health pandemic, a devastating financial crisis, and ongoing social injustices. These challenges create even greater barriers for individuals with physical disabilities.

Your donation to my fundraising goal will help provide challenged athletes in financial need with adaptive sports equipment, coaching, and training expenses. Additionally, your gift will support virtual and at-home resources that help challenged athletes of all ages and abilities stay active and motivated, at a time when sports and physical activity are needed more than ever. Although the organisation is based in US, grants are given to UK projects too.

As a CAF supporter, I believe in the power of sport to empower lives, heal individuals and unite the world, especially in these times of crisis and conflict.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnRgNShyYaA