I’ve decided it’s a good idea to run 135km. The full length of Hadrian’s Wall, in mid-August.

However, it’s all for the best of causes: St Leonard’s Hospice

A charity very close to my heart

Most of you will be aware that the hospice cared for my gorgeous wife, Natalie, before she passed away in 2018.

Despite the overall outlook and the many setbacks, the hospice was a place of real sanctuary for Natalie. In her final months, it gave us regular moments of laughter, comfort and escape. It was a place where she could smile and be herself. Where Natalie could host friends and sleep off the bad days. A room we could fill with her favourite plants and millions of cards. And, most importantly, a place to fight her battle with grace, courage and her signature smile.

The hospice really is a special place. Nurses ever-present and caring. Doctors honest but reassuring. The more specialist support discrete but easily accessible. Volunteers adding the extra kind touches throughout the day. All of that meant so much to Natalie and, in turn, all of us.

Shortly after Natalie’s battle with cancer her friends, family and colleagues came together to walk the highest 3 peaks in the UK to raise more than £50,000 as our “thank you” for everything St Leonard’s do. We've kept fundraising since and Team Nat will continue to support the hospice as long as we’re all still on this planet.

Hospices all over the country do incredible, invisible work every single day to support people of all ages and they deserve to be celebrated. They also desperately need funding, as only a fraction of their running costs comes from the NHS – the rest is donations left in wills and silly challenges like this.

The challenge

Built by the Romans, Hadrian's Wall runs the width of the north of England. That’s 135 km coast to coast, from Wallsend on the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west. A route full of spectacular views and ups and downs.

I’m proposing to do it once I’ve had my coronavirus jab and outside of the height of summer. My good friend Glyn Williams will be helping with the logistics of getting from A-B and much-needed pep talks (thanks Glyn!).

It’s fair to say I’m going to find it hard. It’ll take as long as it takes and I’ll need to get in better shape. Anybody keen to join me for a leg will definitely help with morale. But hopefully it’s sufficiently crazy to get people’s support. Every penny raised for the Hospice will make a real difference.

So, thank you from me, and from Natalie and St Leonard’s ❤️