North Ronaldsay is an Island close to my heart, and this Summer I helped to rebuild parts of the 13-mile sheepdyke that have been damaged by severe storms. Without the protection of this sheepdyke, the Island's rare sheep are at risk. The Island's first ever Sheep Festival was a huge success, with volunteers and islanders coming together to help, and the achievements were huge. But we want to do more!

What better way to raise funds for the 2017 Sheep Festival than running the distance of the sheepdyke? This October, I will be running my second ever half-marathon (The Royal Parks Half-Marathon - 13.1 miles), and thinking of the Island with every step!

Please help me in my mission towards funding an even better Festival for 2017 - funds raised will go towards extras such as transport for volunteers (we are hoping to hire a minibus), and ongoing Festival costs. We are also thinking of making a line of Sheep festival mugs and t-shirts - what better souvenir from a conservation holiday like no other?

For more information and pictures of 2016's brilliant year, you can visit our website at www.nrsheepfestival.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheepfestival

Thank you in advance! Kate x

(The funds raised will be looked after and allocated by The Orkney Sheep Foundation, Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number SCIO 045392)