March 2008 - Its got to happen!

My name is Suzie Grogan and I am facing the challenge of a lifetime as I gear up to follow in the footsteps of my favourite poet John Keats, walking more than 100 miles in Lancashire and the Lake District . This is I hope the first of many blog entries. Future entries will be shorter have no fear!!
I am a freelance researcher and writer from Wellington in Somerset and in the summer of 2008 I will be donning my walking gear and setting off from Lancaster on the first leg of a walk to raise money for the Lymphoedema Support Network and St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice.
It's a long time since I have done any serious exercise but the hard work will all be worthwhile if I succeed in raising £5,000 for The Lymphoedema Support Network and the Hospice. I have had Lymphoedema in my legs since my teens and following surgery for breast cancer in September 2006 I am now at risk of developing it in my arm. When I was diagnosed with Lymphoedema in my late teens it was very difficult. Even 25 years on many doctors do not understand the condition and it is often misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of breast cancer was in itself devastating but after successful treatment many women like myself need to know how to protect themselves from developing Lymphoedema, which can be both disabling and potentially dangerous. When you are put in touch with the Lymphoedema Support Network you immediately have the support and information you need to make sure the medical profession take your symptoms seriously. They are a very small organisation but punch well beyond their weight, raising issues in parliament and lobbying Primary Care Trusts to ensure treatment is available for all who need it. St Margaret’s Hospice, is where Lymphoedema patients in Somerset are lucky enough to receive wonderful care from Ali Batchelor, the nurse specialist. Not all parts of the UK are lucky enough to have this care, and money is tight everywhere.
The LSN and the Hospice have done so much for us all, now it's time I did something for them.
John Keats undertook a similar walk in 1818 and it inspired him to write poetry that has given me comfort in some tough times. I want to walk and write, inspired as he was. I hope to publish an account of my trip – noting the many differences between my walk and his. So much has changed – even since the last account written of the walk in the late 1970’s. I am well known in the Lymphoedema community for my work as chair of the Taunton area Lymphoedema Support Group, and I am hoping the local communities in both Somerset and Cumbria will support me in this marathon challenge. My friends on the support group are very generous and I hope other people, and businesses, will sponsor me if they can. Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean The Lymphoedema Support Network and St Margaret’s Hospice can continue their invaluable work. I have already raised about £500 and will be holding events to raise more money throughout 2008. Until 10th March you can enter the SWINK Art competition - up to 4 entries each at the cost of just £2 per entry for children and £3 per entry for adults. The competition will be judged by famous Somerset artist Louise Waugh and is open to all ages. There are some great prizes so get drawing, painting, making - in fact using any media on the theme of Animals in their Habitats. You can sponsor me by visiting my online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/keatswalk. You can pay by credit or debit card, and the money will go directly to the nominated charities. Where supporters are UK taxpayers, the charity will automatically receive 28% extra in Gift Aid, which makes Justgiving the most efficient way of sponsoring me