The Waddle

When my friends little baby daughter, Zoe, was born with severe Spinabifida and Hydro-cephalous, he decided to set up a charity called The Waddle. Waddle means to both walk and paddle the 100 miles of the river Bann from it's source in the Mourne Mountains to where it meets the sea at Portstewart Strand.

The aim of the charity challenge is to raise awareness of the condition and much needed funds for the Royal Victoria's Hospital for Sick Children. The Waddle will take place from 4-6th June.

I was absolutely delighted to be asked to be Patron of Waddle and I will be joining the team to canoe up the Bann on the final day of the challenge.

You can make a donation, or follow the progress of the Waddle Team on:-

www.thewaddle.co.uk

Ups and Downs!!!

I've just returned from a preseason ski training camp at Extreme Gene Water Ski and Wake Board School, near Cordoba in Spain. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather and an old ongoing injury, training was a little restricted, but, it's great to be back on the water.

I'm delighted to announce that, I've recently become a Special Ambassador for the charity, Concern Worldwide, who do fabulous work to improve the lives of thousands of women in third world countries. I'm looking forward to working with the team on a new and exciting project and will keep you all posted on developments.

I was also thrilled when I was asked to become the Champion of Sport for Derry/Londonderry's bid for the City of Culture. Londonderry is a terrific and vibrant city and deserves this coveted accolade and I am delighted that, sport is included, as it crosses all boundaries, brings people together and can rebuild lives.



On Saturday 8th May, I abseiled off the top of the Europe Hotel in Belfast. As President of Lisburn Sub Aqua Club, I went along with a merry band of ten other members and of course, it was all in aid of a very good cause, The Friends of the Cancer Unit at Belfast's City Hospital. I was really looking forward to the abseil, that was, until I got onto the roof of the hotel and then, the butterflies in my tummy gave a little flutter, at the thought of going over the edge!!!, but, thanks to the confident and expert instructors from the Belfast Activity Centre, it was a fabulous experience and one which I hope to do again in the future.