Channel 5 Sponsorship Form: 2006 Cross Channel Relay

In September 2006, we are planning to enter the English Channel at Dover in the hope of exiting at Cap Griz Nez. Weather permitting, the entry will happen. The exit in France is much less certain!

It would, however, be a monumental waste if we did not in the process raise huge amounts for 2 worthy causes - Starlight Childrens' Foundation and Ide Hill School Governors Appeal. We would be very grateful if you would consider sponsoring us using the form below. p.s. Although our attempt at a channel crossing is quite costly, due to sponsorship by Timothy James & Partners all monies raised will go directly to the 2 charities below.

Why Starlight Children's Foundation (www.starlight.org.uk)?

Starlight Children's Foundation (www.starlight.org.uk) brightens the lives of seriously and terminally ill children by granting their wishes and providing hospital entertainment to help take their minds off the pain, fear and isolation of their illness.

When Starlight began in 1987, it helped just 4 children; this year, we will help over 400,000 children all over the UK. Where possible, mums, dads, brothers and sisters are involved to strengthen family bonds at what is often a time of great stress and give everyone happy memories to share, no matter what the future may hold. Starlight receives neither Government nor Lottery support.

If Starlight had just one wish itself, it would be that cures could be found for all the terrible illnesses that can afflict children. Until then, it continues to provide important medicines of another sort: excitement, fun and laughter.

Why Ide Hill Church of England Primary School?

Ide Hill CoE Primary School Governors Appeal supports a small but excellent local village school that is at the heart of its community. Although it is only 90-100 children, the school has set a very high standard and is the top of those (infamous) league tables.

But the funding mechanism that the Government has designed provides barely enough money to pay the teachers, let alone fund "optional" extras such as library books or teaching resources and certainly not powerful resources such as computers or electronic whiteboards that children in larger schools would expect as a matter of course.

The Governors are hoping to use the funds raised by the swim to buy an electronic whiteboard, books & resources for the library and IT equipment for the IT room shared by all the school.