In my 50th year, having faced various personal and health challenges over the past few years, and inspired by my amazing friend Anna, I have decided to leave my comfort zone (jogging) and take on a something new.

While contemplating a fitting challenge for turning fifty, my first thought was a 50km run. Sadly I didn't get organised enough with my fundraising, but a couple of weeks after my Birthday - I did my first ultra - completing the 62km Fox Way - and there will be more in that ilk.  However, while enjoying a rare moment in the bathtub back in February, I came across a very different kind of 50km and after months of procrastination, I've signed up! So at the end of September, I'll be hiking 41km through the Lake District which includes climbing 5000ft and swimming 9km across it's lakes. A total of 50km.  I will hike with all of my kit and when I reach the waters edge, the kit will go into a RuckRaft which I'll tow with me as I swim. 

I also thought that my half century should be marked with something less self-indulgent than a me-challenge. So I'd like to raise some funds. Fittingly, the creators of this event, provide opportunities for children with disabilities to swim. Those of you who know our daughter, Anusha, will know that we are blessed with a very local swim school that can support her - providing one-on-one teaching in a calm atmosphere. Other children aren't so lucky and that's where Level Water steps (swims) in! they give the gift of swimming - its enormous health and well-being benefits; its power to relax tense muscles and anxious minds - to those unable to access regular swimming.

As this is a big year and it's a while since I raised any money, I'd also like to support the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, UK, which helps families like ours navigate the extremely challenging and often unknown territory of the condition which affects our beautiful daughter. 

Please support us by donating to Level Water (up to £1000) or  the PWSA UK if I'm lucky enough to raise any more! (linked to this page).