Jigsaw4u

Youth Desert Expedition to Sinai 2008

This July I will be hiking 150km across the Sinai desert in 45 degrees of heat - surviving one of the harshest environments in the world. I am accompanying a group of young people as we brave the heat (and the sand - I hate sand!) for two weeks with no showers, no toilets, carrying all our luggage on our backs and being followed around by a group of 12 camels!

Our goal is to raise money for the children´s charity Jigsaw4u. For ten years, Jigsaw4u has supported children and young people who have lost a significant person in their life as a result of illness, accident, suicide or murder. Jigsaw4u helps these children and young people cope with feelings of grief and loss. Many in our group are bereaved and - with Jigsaw4u´s support - have overcome the challenges of dealing with the loss of a parent or sibling. We aim to raise money to ensure support is available for other children who lose a significant person in their life.

The services that Jigsaw4u grief support offers include:

- Quick response

- Volunteer buddies for children and young people - Home visit to meet the family

- Individual and family support either at home or at school

- Seven week support group plus family weekend

- Ongoing events and support

- Support for schools and other professionals

Services are free of charge to all young people and their families.

For more information go to www.jigsaw4u.org.uk

Sponsorship

The group are also looking to give talks to large companies. If you hold the purse strings for your company´s Corporate Responsibility budget please consider inviting the young people to come and present their stories to you so that you can judge how giving a little, can make a huge different to the lives of many children. Alternatively, sponsors can support by donating online at www.justgiving.com/sinai2008. All donations will help Jigsaw4u make a difference to children and young people who have lost someone close to them.