We ask every participant to try to meet or exceed our sponsorship target of £200, the funds you raise will go to the Martyn Bennett Trust and to Marie Curie Cancer Centres. We need participants to get enthused and raise sponsorship money to support these two fantastic charities so they can continue the work they do.

The Martyn Bennett Trust is a registered charity which was formed in April 2005 by the family and friends of Martyn. 

Whilst Martyn's music will leave its own inspired legacy, and although the memory of Martyn's performances will happily endure in the memories those who saw him play, here in Scotland and all over the world, Martyn also had a real dedication to encourage young musicians to make the most of their talents through teaching and through sharing his own vision of the possibilities of music. It is this aspect of Martyn's legacy that the MBT seeks to promote, safeguard and continue.

Alongside Martyn's own mastery of many different genres and instruments, a vital characteristic of his music was its eclecticism and freedom in transcending the boundaries of place, culture, generations, audience divisions, past and present. Martyn's is a music of paradox: ordered and disordered, serious and playful, anarchic but full of integrity, loss and celebration. While rejoicing in or raging at the present, it simultaneously opens a channel to the historical and mythical past, unearthing ancient and marginalised voices to let their vibrancy, eloquence and spirit resound alongside hard-core beats and grooves.

http://www.martynbennett.com

With ten hospices across the UK, Marie Curie Cancer Care provides the largest number of hospice beds outside the NHS. The hospices offer specialist support in a relaxed, friendly and comfortable environment and no charge is ever made to patients or their families. Voluntary contributions, together with statutory government funding, are essential to continue providing these vital services.

Marie Curie scientists are at the forefront of cancer research. They focus on how the cells of our bodies should normally operate; what causes these processes to go wrong, leading to cancer; and how better treatments can be developed.

Much of the work carried out relates to the fundamental mechanisms governing proper cell division and organisation and how damage to genes which have important roles in ordinary cells can cause a cell to become cancerous.

The Marie Curie Palliative Care Research and Development Unit seeks to improve care for those affected by life-limiting illnesses through encouraging and carrying out research into a broad spectrum of issues relating to palliative care.

Its work includes investigations into a wide range of subjects and issues, including aromatherapy massage, constipation in cancer patients and communication skills for healthcare professionals.

http://www.mariecurie.org.uk

The sponsorship raised from the Mull Grand Traverse will go towards both the Martyn Bennett Trust and the Marie Curie Cancer Centres.