I WOULD like to thank all of the people who have got my West Devon Borough Council mayoral charity fundraising for the Royal British Legion off to a great start. Margaret Allen raised an amazing £444 with her all-day breakfast and Ian Robinson completed a sponsored cycle ride, climbing the highest road climb in Britain to Ullswater and back. He raised over £300. I have several other exciting events planned, the next being a fashion show in the Charter Hall, Okehampton, tomorrow (Friday) and an archaeology talk at Bovey Tracey on October 23. I look forward to seeing you then. Christine Marsh Mayor of West Devon ON Sunday, October 5 I took part in the Murtenlauf 8.68 kilometre speed walk in Switzerland. A total of 754 people — male, female, young and old — stood on the start line and I managed to finish 34th with a time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 27 seconds. My average speed was 4.8 miles an hour. This was thanks to my son Darren's support and expert advice with my training plan and race tactics. Darren also took part in the running race which began just before my walking race so that he could help me with registration and put me on the start line with words of encouragement. Then when he had finished his race he ran back the course so that he could shout words of encouragement as I hit the last hill and take photos of me in action. I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who sponsored me. I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received, as I write this I have raised almost £1,000 and sponsorship money is still coming in. This money will be used to support people with Parkinson's living in the local area. If you would like to find out more about this challenge or to sponsor me please visit http://www.justgiving.com/valevans2">www.justgiving.com/valevans2 The Tavistock Parkinson's Support group is based at The Anchorage Centre in Tavistock and welcomes people with Parkinson's and their carers from a wide area. Join us for monthly meetings, fortnightly exercise classes, coffee mornings and outings. For information please ring Val on 01822 613992 or Pam on 01822 614204. Val Evans Tavistock