Last year, for our 25th anniversary, I did the thing I always said I would never do – a skydive! As many of you already know, it was an experience I will not willingly ever repeat, but between myself and 22 others we raised £35,000 – far exceeding the £25,000 target I set for us!

 
Coming down to earth, 2012 sees me keeping my feet firmly on the ground with a CEO challenge of trekking on the Great Wall of China in October. This challenge promises to be a truly unique experience, offering the opportunity not just to visit one of the world’s most impressive historical sites but also to experience local life and culture. I’m looking forward to it.

There is still time for you to join me, but you need to be quick as registrations close at the end of January. Just go here and you can find out all about it, or email Sarah who is organising it all. I would love to have you join me and the rest of the team.

Nearer home, I am busy preparing for my meeting this week with Sarah Teather MP, Minister of State for Children and Families, with responsibility for early learning and development, child care and children’s centres, special educational needs, disabled children, young carers and child poverty.

High up amongst the items on the agenda is our Education Campaign. We still need more signatures to take our fight to Downing Street, so please don’t take your foot off the pedal yet!

Two of our patrons, Lord Darzi and Baroness Corston, helped to secure this meeting and will be coming along with me. Watch this space for an update in next week’s blog.

As many of you are aware, our Meningococcal Outcomes Study in Adolescents and in Children (MOSAIC) commissioned research is helping to inform the Department of Health’s evaluation of a possible new meningococcal B vaccine, as well as being used to call for the educational support children need. 

We have now also started work with the University of Southampton on a small study on multiple limb loss to help influence and inform support needs for this group. We are recruiting people to take part in this study – adults and parents of children who have suffered multiple limb loss in the last five years. Just contact Jane Blewitt if you would like to get involved.

You really would be helping to make a difference for other people like you.

Thank you for your continuing support.