I am attempting to do the Three Peaks Challenge which involves climbing the three peaks, Ben Nevis (Scotland - 1344m), Scafell Pike (England - 978m) and Snowdon (Wales - 1085m), in the UK in under 24 hours on the forthcoming weekend of the 4th/5th July 2009. I am doing this to raise vital funds for people with mental health problems.

I grew up in Hay-on-Wye and worked in the mighty Kilverts Hotel and Oscars. I now live in Cardiff but  I regularly return back to Hay to visit my Mum, Jane Weaver; my brother, Thomas Weaver and sister, Sammy Weaver. Thomas plays for the Hay St Marys football team.

I hope to raise £1,000 for the leading mental health charity Mind. Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, working to create a better life for everyone who suffers with mental health problems and their families. This charity is very close to my heart and I believe they are a worthwhile organisation to support. Mental health problems have affected my family as my dad, Simon Weaver, died from Alzheimer’s disease on 6th August 2001. My Dad used to play cricket for the Hay team. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting around 417,000 people in the UK. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, which means that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. My dad suffered from the disease for over 15 years, and as the disease progressed, my dad became more and more dependent upon others for support. There were not sufficient resources to help when we needed it, and my whole family struggled to cope. Mental health problems can affect anyone, rich or poor, young or old, shattering the lives of those affected and the lives of the people close to them. There is very little support, both financial and emotional for sufferers and their families. This is even less for families where the sufferer is of a younger age, which is usually when it is needed the most. I hope that the money that is raised will help to change this and provide support for those who need it the most.

I am aiming to raise £1,000 for Mind. Any amount of sponsorship you could offer would be greatly appreciated for this worthwhile cause. If you would like to sponsor or support me in any way, please contact me on 07963 207 737 or go to my website www.justgiving.com/laraweaver. 

Alternatively, if you would like information about Mind events please telephone 0870 872 1144, email mindevents@btconnect.com or visit www.mind.org.uk.

Thank you,

Lara Weaver