^ photo by Isaac Newsome | Karen Pickering was an outstanding member of the British swimming squad from 1986 to 2005 and has a collection of winning medals that include 8 World Championship medals (4 gold), 14 European Championship medals, 38 National Championship titles, and a Commonwealth Games medal haul of 13 including 4 Gold. For her services to swimming Karen was awarded an MBE in the 1994 New Years Honours List.  I am taking part in the Walk Like an Olympian- Great Wall of China Trek in 10 days time so I have been busy getting into shape and breaking in my shoes! The trek is being organised by the British Olympic Foundation and I will be raising money for them. The BOF aims to create learning opportunities for young people through sport and education to encourage personal development, fair play and personal excellence. With a variety of initiatives including; sports camps, workshops, conferences & international exchanges they aim to touch young people's lives with the Olympic dream from primary through to university level students. I will also be raising money for Team Ipswich who give grants to up and coming sports people in the town to help with their training and competition costs which can make the difference between them being able to realise their dreams or having to miss out. I will be walking for up to 8 hours a day for 5 days so this is a huge challenge for me. Any sponsorship would be greatly appreciated and you can make donations by going to www.justgiving.com/karenpickering1 | |
