I'm taking part, with a great group of people, in a gentle, one-day, 44-mile, cross-country amble, from Sheffield, along the Derwent Valley, finishing in the centre of Derby (in the pub!), hoping to make as much money as we can can for Mind - The Mental Health Charity.

Mental Health issues are increasingly prominent in this day and age, but in many cases people suffer with them alone, and there is still stigma attached to admitting to them. It is estimated that one in four of us will struggle with our mental health in our lifetime, and it thanks to the work of charities like Mind that there is increasing support - and acceptance - of these kind of issues. Sadly, another reason for this walk is in memory of a colleague of many of those taking part, Jamie Margetts, who lost his own battle with mental health issues - you can read more about Jamie, and the walk itself, at 

www.mindyourstepwalk.co.uk

So please help me to not only to get the motivation to walk a distance that is longer than from the sofa to the biscuit barrel, but to raise both money and awareness for a cause that has helped - and will continue to help - so many people in their times of need.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.