Despo Michael loved the outdoors. From scaling mountains and traversing lakes, cycling through The Royal Parks to reach work in Parliament and joining her regular British Military Fitness sessions, to the simplicity of taking a stroll through Hyde Park for some fresh air.

Despite her untimely death, we want to ensure her legacy (and love for the outdoors) lives on. This fundraiser is to enable us to dedicate a bench in Hyde Park to her, for all to use. Whether just like Despo, you're tying your laces before an extra energised workout session or even sitting down to tuck into a crime novel, this bench will be there.

We will also be taking up running (as two non-runners) in order to honour our Godmother's favourite past-time, and hope to raise money for this bench, the funding of which will go towards the maintenance and care of The Royal Parks.

We hope you join our efforts in raising these funds in honour of Despo (and will update you with exhausted sisterly pics along the way), in the hope that one day any of us will be able to sit on Despo's bench and remember her love for the great outdoors.

Thank you,

Despo's nieces (Alice & Annie)