By day Kathryn Hearn, 36, is glued to her computer.

By night, she is glued to the television.

In between she eats.

China Diary 4: 5/3/03
So why has the unfit, mother-of-two (yes there is a comma) signed up to a challenging trek for the Meningitis Research Foundation along the Great Wall of China?

"You have to break a lot of eggs to make an omelette." Or in my experience, you have to send out a lot of letters, write a lot of emails and approach all and sundry to get a sponsor.

When I signed up to trek along the Great Wall of China for the Meningitis Research Foundation, my main worry was that I would not be fit enough to take on the challenge.

I certainly did not realise how difficult it would be to interest any firms in sponsorship - nor did I imagine how much criticism I would come under for what I see as a charitable venture.

And so this diary is dedicated to putting the record straight for anyone who has been disgruntled or badly affected by me approaching them for sponsorship.

To shed some light on this whole interlude, here are some of the more frequently asked questions and responses:

Q Why should I pay for you to go on holiday?

A If only it was a holiday - and if only that were true. I've stumped up the cash to go - in fact I worked out this week I could have taken my family to Euro Disney for five days for the equivalent amount. The sponsorship money is for the Meningitis Research Foundation - and when I'm in China I'll be earning it by doing more physical exertion than my body has ever envisaged.

Q Take me with you. Then I'll sponsor you.

A Sure, just jump in my rucksack with the other 20 people who've thought this is a really witty retort. If you want to do what I'm doing you can find out more at www.charitychallenge.com - and then I'll sponsor you.

Q I've never heard of that charity. Meningitis is a bit of a rarity isn't it.

A The Meningitis Research Foundation is a registered charity. More than 3,000 families in the UK are affected by the disease each year - and one in 10 people will die from it; mainly children. The charity offers a 24-hour helpline, support for those who've been affected and looks into ways of eradicating the disease.

Q How can you leave your children for that length of time?

A It's not easy to leave for me to leave my children - even for one night. The only driving force behind it is that I'm doing it for a good reason - to raise money for a worthwhile cause. It's certainly not a jolly away from the kids. As the nurse who did my various injections for the trip remarked: "If I was going off for eight days without the family, I'd go somewhere like Barbados. You must be mad!"

Q I already give to charity

A Good for you, but I'm not a mind reader (not yet anyway).

Q Why are you asking me?

A Because I'm asking everyone. There's no discrimination or selection process.

Wendy Attwood and Hannah had meningitis

It's not all bad news though. My running total at the moment is about £1,000 - and some people who I've asked for sponsorship have been genuinely pleased and said: "I'm glad you've asked me. A family member/friend has been affected by meningitis."

And to those people who perhaps I've upset by deigning to ask for any thing in the way of sponsorship. I'm so sorry. All you needed to say was "No thanks".

Otherwise, if you would like to sponsor me in the traditional way, please send cheques payable to Kathryn Hearn, to myself at BBC Beds, Herts and Bucks, 1 Hastings Street, Luton LU1 5XL. Please include your fuull name and address.

All people who donate will be listed here so please advise me if you wish to remain anonymous.

Alternatively if you would like to donate an item for auction – any thing would be gratefully received - please call me at work on 01582 637460 or email me on kathryn.hearn@bbc.co.uk

Find out more here about how much I've raised so far.

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