Laura Dykes has raised money for PACT by completing a triathlon; here is her story in her own words. The picture shows Laura and Evie handing over their cheque to Beryl Welburn.

“I decided to take part in this challenge because of my very special niece, Evie, who is now 3 (going on 33!) years old. Evie was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer when she was just a few weeks old and had to receive treatment at Sheffield Children’s hospital. As a result of the fabulous support my brother Matthew, and sister-in-law, Katie, received when they needed it most, I wanted to do something to help support the local agencies and charities that support families like mine. I therefore asked Matthew and Katie to select a charity for me to raise for, and that was where PACT came into the picture.

I chose, rather crazily, to enter a triathlon at Woburn Abbey and therefore signed up to a 400 metre open water swim in Woburn lake, followed by a 20k bike ride round the deer park, followed finally by a 5k run. After much training the day arrived and on the 15th September 2012, I went, with my own cheering squad, to Woburn. Thankfully weather conditions were ideal and despite my nerves I completed the event in 2 hours 12 mins and 42 seconds. This was one of the most difficult, exciting and challenging things I have ever done, however, this cannot compare to the bravery of Evie and the wonderful things that PACT staff do on a daily/weekly basis.

I would like firstly, to say a big thank you to PACT for the wonderful work they do, this charity provided support for my family when they really needed it and secondly, to thank every person who donated to help me reach such a wonderful total of £1749.75 which pushed me to complete this event. Evie is now a happy and bright little girl, who is going to nursery and fortunately remembers little of the time she spent at the hospital and I hope that this money can help make some things easier for families going through similar experiences.”