<p>Philip and I joined the Royal Marines 50 years ago, and we felt we ought to have a little adventure to mark the occasion, providing a bit of a challenge, not too much excitement, and an opportunity to raise some money for our two charities - the Fountain Centre and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. We decided on the Gunpowder Run.</p> <p>For many years, Chilworth - just off the River Wey in between Godalming and Guildford - was the centre of Gunpowder manufacturing for the Navy, and they transported the gunpowder in barges down the Wey Canal, to the Thames and on to Chatham and Dover. We are going to replicate this journey from Godalming to Dover in "Grace", a 14ft boat built by Philip, using oars and sail only, camping as we go. We think it will take about five days. Our start date is at 08.00 on Friday the 22nd June.</p> <p>We have opened the challenge for others to join us, and so have prepared some basic rules, so let us know if you would like a copy. There is a handicap, based on combined age. Anything under 130 attracts a penalty of 10 minutes for each year under, and conversely anything over 130 is given 10 minutes extra.</p> <p>One in three of us will be affected by Cancer. I had cancer and I found a whole range of complementary therapies a great help in recovery. They kept one's body and mind in the best condition to support the conventional cures applied by oncologists, and helped to minimse their adverse side effects. The Fountain Centre provides a wide range of Complementary therapies, advice and support to cancer patients and those close to them, and currently helps up to 500 patients each month. With the St Luke's Cancer Centre in Guildford providing free treatment rooms, offices and a special refuge within St Luke's, and volunteers and therapists providing their time free guided by four full time professionals, The Fountain Centre has been able to keep its annual running costs to &pound;120,000. This we have to fund each year through donations and fund raising activities, but the pressure is on. We currently treat up to 500 patients each month, and this figure is on the rise, so your support will be much appreciated.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>