According to Steve Morton, GAT’s Secretary "If you suffer from Arthritis, tackling the 3 Peaks Challenge is pretty much impossible, until now. By removing the additional walking around the 3 Peaks and having to drive the 500 miles between them and home, GAT has created a Trek that is much more achievable – but is still the equivalent distance of scaling all 3 Peaks".

It comprises walking the equivalent of up & down Snowden (2,170 metres), up & down Scafell Pike (1,956 metres) and up & down Ben Nevis (2,688 metres). But you can Trek anywhere you want. This way anyone in Gloucestershire, whether they have Arthritis or not, can do their own Great Arthritis Trek.

Some may want to stay close to home, or trek around their favourite beauty spot, or join in at GAT’s organised locations. On July 10th, GAT is organising a Great Arthritis Trek at Boyts Farm, Tytherington, nr Wotton-under-Edge from 1.00pm, but they are planning to organise others during the coming months.

"Children can do a Trek for an elderly relative or surgeons and medical teams can Trek inside either of the main hospitals. Even regular dog walkers can do a Trek," says Morton. "The Great Arthritis Trek already covers 200 miles and as more people join in it will cover thousands of miles and will raise even more money for GAT before the end of October".

Sponsorship forms are being sent out to GAT’s 1400 supporters, but if you want to get involved contact the GAT Office on 01242 221005. Alternatively, you can sponsor Steve Morton’s personal Great Arthritis Trek to mark turning 60 - he will be treking the equivalent of 60 Peaks (84 miles). In addition, Liz White, GAT’s Administrator, will be trekking the Cotswold Way. GAT has set up a dedicated page for both of them on the Justgiving website at: www.justgiving.com/greatarthritistrek

Some of our supporters have the skills to make some beautiful goods for sale on our stalls. Many of our members recycle greetings cards and these are appreciated on all occasions. Other skills range from needlework which produces fine knitted baby clothes and soft toys to woodworkers who make everything from bird boxes to hand carved figures, wooden toys and marquetry.

This picture shows one of our supporters who is a cabinet maker and that weekend he delivered to us a bus, a truck and a caravan. Here you see him bringing the caravan into the office.

Our next picture shows Norm Lane who ran (with his two bionic hips!) from John O'Groats to Lands End raising thousands of pounds for GAT.

Here, along with the GAT Chairman and other supporters he is presenting medical equipment to the Hospitals at a special presentation buffet held at the Post Graduate Medical Centre in Cheltenham.

A couple of GAT's busy supporters helping in despatching the latest edition of the GAT magazine. Members of the Joint Supporters Club receive this publication three times a year.

It contains reports of how we have spent the money, e.g. on surgical and physiotherapeutic equipment, on research and on other current projects; it gives up to date news on current awards being made by our trustees; it makes acknowledgement of the kind and generous gifts we have received; It contains reports and photographs of recent presentations; it shows pictures of recently held fundraising events and activities.

Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra regularly give concerts to raise funds for GAT. We are very grateful to them and they always provide a most wonderful evening. This picture was taken at their most recent GAT concert held in All Saints Church, Cheltenham.

The programme featured the works of Debussy, Brahms and a particularly stimulating and comment provoking piece of Messiaen! The orchestra's next concert for GAT will take place in the Spring of 2007.