Members' charity appeals 2012-2019

Grand Union Canal Half Marathon - Motoko
Motoko (Lane 5) ran in the Grand Union Canal Half Marathon from
Uxbridge to Watford in to raise money for a scanner at Great Ormond Street
Hospital. A group of RNSC swimmers braved the elements
to cheer Motoko on around the 11 mile mark, unfortunately they weren't able
to get a picture of the event, so here's a picture of the canal instead.
For anyone who wishes to donate please visit Motoko's Just giving site.
Motoko (Lane 5) ran in the Grand Union Canal Half Marathon from
Uxbridge to Watford in to raise money for a scanner at Great Ormond Street
Hospital. A group of RNSC swimmers braved the elements
to cheer Motoko on around the 11 mile mark, unfortunately they weren't able
to get a picture of the event, so here's a picture of the canal instead.
For anyone who wishes to donate please visit Motoko's Just giving site.
Three Peaks Challenge - Ann
Hello everyone
Thank you for taking a moment to read my email. I'm taking part in the Avenues Group Three Peaks Challenge on 22/09/2013 to raise money for Avenues Group who I’m working for and I'd really appreciate your support. The charity provide care for people facing significant disadvantage through illness and disability so they can live full lives in their local communities. The money raised will go to their Community Futures Fund, and is run by people who have a learning disability, and every penny will directly
benefit the people who Avenues support.
The challenge itself involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon), which is around 10,000 feet of climbing and 25 miles of walking in 24 hours. Oh dear, about the training plan - Ouch!!
It would mean a lot to me if you sponsored me in this event, so do please visit my just giving page below.
Thank you so much.
http://www.justgiving.com/Ann-Smeed
Ann
Thank you for taking a moment to read my email. I'm taking part in the Avenues Group Three Peaks Challenge on 22/09/2013 to raise money for Avenues Group who I’m working for and I'd really appreciate your support. The charity provide care for people facing significant disadvantage through illness and disability so they can live full lives in their local communities. The money raised will go to their Community Futures Fund, and is run by people who have a learning disability, and every penny will directly
benefit the people who Avenues support.
The challenge itself involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon), which is around 10,000 feet of climbing and 25 miles of walking in 24 hours. Oh dear, about the training plan - Ouch!!
It would mean a lot to me if you sponsored me in this event, so do please visit my just giving page below.
Thank you so much.
http://www.justgiving.com/Ann-Smeed
Ann
Dart 10km swim - Karen M, Judith, Stan
(Message from Club Sec - Jill)
“Three of our keen open water swimmers will be taking part in the Dart 10km swim on Saturday 14th September 2013 in aid of
the MS Society. Judith Karen Stan – Team Ruislip-Northwood are off to beautiful Devon to take part in this challenge, swimming the Dart river estuary from Totnes to Diddisham. For more details of the event do visit the Outdoor Swimming Society website but if you are thinking you would like to take part too, the event is limited to 700 swimmers and it is sold out!
Karen Masterson writes: “I'm pretty sure Stan will be going in the elite wave, I have just downgraded from the elite to the fast wave (lack of training!) and I think Judith is doing the fast wave too. “ Having checked the swim time descriptions I don’t think that I would even make the leisurely category! (Club Sec). Please join with me in wishing them the best of luck and if you would like to sponsor them / support this very good cause, please go to Karen Masterson’s Virgin Money Giving page here.”
Congratulations to Erik on his Amazing Feat of endurance!

Dear all
Last Thursday, June 6th, it was D day. After 7 months of training of 7 hours a week on average, this was it. The day of climbing the mountain Alpe d'Huez for the Dutch Cancer Foundation.
My alarm clock went at 02.45am, ouch! Got dressed, ate and on our bikes at 03.15am to ride to the start. The official start was at 04.30am. Finally on my
way after all the training and preparations. I hadn't done the actual climb before so for me it was also a test how it would go. The first climb took me
1.34 hr. About 10 minutes faster than I had estimated so a good start. At the top it was very cold at that time, about 6 degrees. Dry clothes on, quick drink and some food. Not what I fancied but you just have to eat, even at that time of the day. Warm clothes on and on my way down. I prepared a time schedule as to what time I had to start my descents in order to make the 6 climbs. As 6 is the ultimate goal, you might guess I wanted to do 6! Lesley was my time keeper and taking care of my clothes, foods and drinks. I really couldn't have done this without her help. In the end, I made 6 climbs. I have not much memory of my 5th one as I was looking at the tarmac only till I passed the finish line. The 6th climb was a very special one. We did this to honour Theo Bos, a former Dutch professional football player who died of pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Theo played almost 400 professional matches for Arnhem Vitesse, a Dutch football club at premiership level. He never played for any other club and for this reason he was called Mr Vitesse. The last climb, we made in a Vitesse outfit, especially made for us by the football club. In the link in this email, you can see the last few kilometers of our climb and how we have been cheered for by the audience. My biggest goosebumps moment ever!!
In the end, I made 6 climbs. Some numbers... (1 climb = 15 kilometers, average climbing percentage over 9%)
duration
climb 1: 1.34 hrs
climb 2: 1.33 hrs
climb 3: 1.40 hrs
climb 4: 1.41 hrs
climb 5: 1.46 hrs
climb 6. 2.08 hrs
Total elevation: 7.500 mtrs
Total riding time (excl breaks)
12.5 hrs
total Kcals burned: > 9.000
This is about my personal achievement. In the end, I have done this to raise money for the Dutch cancer foundation. By my personal activities and sponsors, I have raised over 3.000 euros. With my team, we have raised over 50.000 euro's for this charity. This really matters!
In the end, I would like to thank you all for your support. Every message, talk, donation, text message, whatsapp, facebook comment etc... All have helped
me to achieve this. Many thanks for your support and I look forward to see you soon again,
Best regards
Erik
Last Thursday, June 6th, it was D day. After 7 months of training of 7 hours a week on average, this was it. The day of climbing the mountain Alpe d'Huez for the Dutch Cancer Foundation.
My alarm clock went at 02.45am, ouch! Got dressed, ate and on our bikes at 03.15am to ride to the start. The official start was at 04.30am. Finally on my
way after all the training and preparations. I hadn't done the actual climb before so for me it was also a test how it would go. The first climb took me
1.34 hr. About 10 minutes faster than I had estimated so a good start. At the top it was very cold at that time, about 6 degrees. Dry clothes on, quick drink and some food. Not what I fancied but you just have to eat, even at that time of the day. Warm clothes on and on my way down. I prepared a time schedule as to what time I had to start my descents in order to make the 6 climbs. As 6 is the ultimate goal, you might guess I wanted to do 6! Lesley was my time keeper and taking care of my clothes, foods and drinks. I really couldn't have done this without her help. In the end, I made 6 climbs. I have not much memory of my 5th one as I was looking at the tarmac only till I passed the finish line. The 6th climb was a very special one. We did this to honour Theo Bos, a former Dutch professional football player who died of pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Theo played almost 400 professional matches for Arnhem Vitesse, a Dutch football club at premiership level. He never played for any other club and for this reason he was called Mr Vitesse. The last climb, we made in a Vitesse outfit, especially made for us by the football club. In the link in this email, you can see the last few kilometers of our climb and how we have been cheered for by the audience. My biggest goosebumps moment ever!!
In the end, I made 6 climbs. Some numbers... (1 climb = 15 kilometers, average climbing percentage over 9%)
duration
climb 1: 1.34 hrs
climb 2: 1.33 hrs
climb 3: 1.40 hrs
climb 4: 1.41 hrs
climb 5: 1.46 hrs
climb 6. 2.08 hrs
Total elevation: 7.500 mtrs
Total riding time (excl breaks)
12.5 hrs
total Kcals burned: > 9.000
This is about my personal achievement. In the end, I have done this to raise money for the Dutch cancer foundation. By my personal activities and sponsors, I have raised over 3.000 euros. With my team, we have raised over 50.000 euro's for this charity. This really matters!
In the end, I would like to thank you all for your support. Every message, talk, donation, text message, whatsapp, facebook comment etc... All have helped
me to achieve this. Many thanks for your support and I look forward to see you soon again,
Best regards
Erik
Meredith's Marathon

Oh my goodness, 26 miles is a very long way, but I did it!
I struggled from about 15 miles, but managed to (pretty much) run all the way
to 23 miles and then had to walk almost to the end, but I found the energy to
run the last 400 meters across the finish line.
What an amazing feeling! Crowds were fabulous, with unwavering support. It
really brings out the best of humanity. My biggest problem was breathing through
the waves of emotion that were choking me up with all the good will floating
about.
Thank you all so much for your support, I'm overwhelmed by the
generosity.
You have helped me to raise over £2000 for victa.
Speaking to
the trustees of victa after the race, I am reassured that the money raised goes to a great cause, helping visually impaired youngster live life to the full
by carrying out research, providing support and equipment and offering experiences that they might not otherwise have. So, thank you, thank you and
thank you again.
Now for the recovery! The best bit now is that wine is back on the menu!
Meredith, Marathon Runner!
Updated 27.04.13
I struggled from about 15 miles, but managed to (pretty much) run all the way
to 23 miles and then had to walk almost to the end, but I found the energy to
run the last 400 meters across the finish line.
What an amazing feeling! Crowds were fabulous, with unwavering support. It
really brings out the best of humanity. My biggest problem was breathing through
the waves of emotion that were choking me up with all the good will floating
about.
Thank you all so much for your support, I'm overwhelmed by the
generosity.
You have helped me to raise over £2000 for victa.
Speaking to
the trustees of victa after the race, I am reassured that the money raised goes to a great cause, helping visually impaired youngster live life to the full
by carrying out research, providing support and equipment and offering experiences that they might not otherwise have. So, thank you, thank you and
thank you again.
Now for the recovery! The best bit now is that wine is back on the menu!
Meredith, Marathon Runner!
Updated 27.04.13

REQUEST TO SUPPORT ALPE D’HUZES-ACTION !!
Dear club members of Ruislip & Northwood Masters Swimming Club
Already for some time, I have had 2 wishes:
1. I would like to achieve a special sports performance
2. I would like to contribute to a good cause
I now have the opportunity of doing both. On June 6th this year, I will participate in the Alpe d’HuZes cycling event
The mission and vision of Alpe d’Huzes?
In the fight against cancer, both patients and their loved ones feel a huge sense of helplessness. Cancer is everywhere. Fighting it seems pointless. One in three Dutch people develop cancer. Everyone involved has first-hand experience of how dramatically their lives are affected and how destructive it can be.
The Alpe d'HuZes event was created with the aim to empower people to convert the sense of powerlessness caused by cancer, into one of strength. We achieve this by motivating as many people as possible to constantly challenge and expand their boundaries. Alpe d'HuZes wants to raise funds to
fight cancer by cycling up the Alpe d'Huez six times in one day. The name, Alpe d'Huzes, is a combination of the Dutch word for "six" and the name of
the mountain. Alpe d'HuZes is founded on the absolute belief that you can attain the greatest possible satisfaction if you put your heart and soul into helping others. The motto of Alpe d’HuZes is: never ever quit
The Action
The participants are raising money, individually or as part of a team. 100% of the
funds will go to the Dutch Cancer Foundation. With the motto “Never ever quit”
in mind, the cyclist will have to climb the legendary mountain Alpe d’Hues up to
6 times in one day. One climb is 15 km long, has 21 hairpins with an average
climbing percentage of almost 10%.
My contribution
I have become part of a cycling team of 16. On one hand, as part of the team, I am organizing activities like the biggest spinning marathon of the Netherlands. But besides this, I am also already training for 4 months: 4 hours of spinining, 2 fitness sessions and 1 hour of swimming every week. When spring arrives, I will need to cycle 100-150 km a week outdoor. I would like to achieve a minimum of 4 climbs but my ambition is, of course, 6 climbs.
I cannot take away the grief cancer causes. Having team members that have been cured of cancer, lost family or are
having relatives at this moment being terminal, I know it is important to contribute. If you would like to help me and contribute as well, there are two
options. One option is that you simply donate tonight and then I will transfer this money to my personal “giving” event website, mentioning that it has been
donated by the Club. Second option is, if you would prefer to make a more personal contribution, that you can contact me by email. I will then provide my
bank details so you can transfer your contribution which I will then transfer to my personal event website, using your name and email address. Your name will then also be visible on my personal event website.
Thank you very much for your support. I will keep you updated on my progress!
Erik Prinsen
E mail: [email protected]
Personal website: http://deelnemers.alpe-dhuzes.nl/acties/erik/erik-prinsen/
Updated 05.05.13
Dear club members of Ruislip & Northwood Masters Swimming Club
Already for some time, I have had 2 wishes:
1. I would like to achieve a special sports performance
2. I would like to contribute to a good cause
I now have the opportunity of doing both. On June 6th this year, I will participate in the Alpe d’HuZes cycling event
The mission and vision of Alpe d’Huzes?
In the fight against cancer, both patients and their loved ones feel a huge sense of helplessness. Cancer is everywhere. Fighting it seems pointless. One in three Dutch people develop cancer. Everyone involved has first-hand experience of how dramatically their lives are affected and how destructive it can be.
The Alpe d'HuZes event was created with the aim to empower people to convert the sense of powerlessness caused by cancer, into one of strength. We achieve this by motivating as many people as possible to constantly challenge and expand their boundaries. Alpe d'HuZes wants to raise funds to
fight cancer by cycling up the Alpe d'Huez six times in one day. The name, Alpe d'Huzes, is a combination of the Dutch word for "six" and the name of
the mountain. Alpe d'HuZes is founded on the absolute belief that you can attain the greatest possible satisfaction if you put your heart and soul into helping others. The motto of Alpe d’HuZes is: never ever quit
The Action
The participants are raising money, individually or as part of a team. 100% of the
funds will go to the Dutch Cancer Foundation. With the motto “Never ever quit”
in mind, the cyclist will have to climb the legendary mountain Alpe d’Hues up to
6 times in one day. One climb is 15 km long, has 21 hairpins with an average
climbing percentage of almost 10%.
My contribution
I have become part of a cycling team of 16. On one hand, as part of the team, I am organizing activities like the biggest spinning marathon of the Netherlands. But besides this, I am also already training for 4 months: 4 hours of spinining, 2 fitness sessions and 1 hour of swimming every week. When spring arrives, I will need to cycle 100-150 km a week outdoor. I would like to achieve a minimum of 4 climbs but my ambition is, of course, 6 climbs.
I cannot take away the grief cancer causes. Having team members that have been cured of cancer, lost family or are
having relatives at this moment being terminal, I know it is important to contribute. If you would like to help me and contribute as well, there are two
options. One option is that you simply donate tonight and then I will transfer this money to my personal “giving” event website, mentioning that it has been
donated by the Club. Second option is, if you would prefer to make a more personal contribution, that you can contact me by email. I will then provide my
bank details so you can transfer your contribution which I will then transfer to my personal event website, using your name and email address. Your name will then also be visible on my personal event website.
Thank you very much for your support. I will keep you updated on my progress!
Erik Prinsen
E mail: [email protected]
Personal website: http://deelnemers.alpe-dhuzes.nl/acties/erik/erik-prinsen/
Updated 05.05.13
Swimathon - 27 to 29 April 2012

We have two Club members who are taking part in this year's Swimathon weekend in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Firstly, Motoko Sugawara who asked us to circulate the following message:
Hi Everyone!
My name is Motoko. I just joined Ruislip Northwood Masters this January. I am improving but still the 'tortoise' of the club who has never missed Saturday session until now. On Sat 28th April, I am taking a part of swimming charity event called Swimathon. The shortest length to support Marie Curie Cancer is 2.5k this year so I will skip the Sat morning session and keep some energy for the event in the afternoon.
The money raised by the Swimathon distance challenges for Marie Curie Cancer Care, will help support Marie Curie Nurses who provide free nursing care to people with terminal cancer and other terminal illness, in the place of their choice. It would be grateful if you could support 'tortoise of the club' through the link below!
http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=374544&langPref=en-CA
Thank you for reading.
With best regards
Motoko
Secondly, Karen Masterson (Ron's youngest daughter) who swims in the top lanes will be swimming 5k. She has also asked the Club to post her link in case anyone would like to sponsor her:
http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=367486&langPref=en-CA
On behalf of them both, the Club would like to thank you in advance for your support.
Hi Everyone!
My name is Motoko. I just joined Ruislip Northwood Masters this January. I am improving but still the 'tortoise' of the club who has never missed Saturday session until now. On Sat 28th April, I am taking a part of swimming charity event called Swimathon. The shortest length to support Marie Curie Cancer is 2.5k this year so I will skip the Sat morning session and keep some energy for the event in the afternoon.
The money raised by the Swimathon distance challenges for Marie Curie Cancer Care, will help support Marie Curie Nurses who provide free nursing care to people with terminal cancer and other terminal illness, in the place of their choice. It would be grateful if you could support 'tortoise of the club' through the link below!
http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=374544&langPref=en-CA
Thank you for reading.
With best regards
Motoko
Secondly, Karen Masterson (Ron's youngest daughter) who swims in the top lanes will be swimming 5k. She has also asked the Club to post her link in case anyone would like to sponsor her:
http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=367486&langPref=en-CA
On behalf of them both, the Club would like to thank you in advance for your support.