When I became unwell with COVID-19 during the terrifying early days of the pandemic (March 2020), I made a promise to myself that if I recovered, I would walk the South Downs Way. After spending much of the rest of 2020 shielding due to pre-existing health issues, I started 2021 determined to fulfil that promise.

I've lived in Brighton for nearly 30 years and the South Downs have been a part of my life throughout that time. Dramatic, sometimes challenging, and simply beautiful in any weather, the chalky downs and heathland that form a 100 mile spine from Winchester to Eastbourne have always fascinated me.

Beginning on 30 August, I intend to spend 12 days walking the South Downs Way alone. I will be mostly camping but also spending the odd night in B&Bs or hotels (because I'm not as young as I used to be). I'm also sure to grab the odd beer or two along the way!

I would like to raise money for the Trussell Trust because throughout both my working life and my personal life I've witnessed the impact of poverty first hand. 

No one should ever go hungry. Through its food banks and campaigning work, the Trussell Trust is trying to make that a reality.

Trussell Trust: Our vision is for a UK without the need for food banks. We say this because it’s not right that anyone cannot afford their own food. That’s why we are working towards a just, compassionate future, where no one should have to use a food bank to get by. Our vision is ambitious, but we know that if we work together it is possible. We can create a future where nobody goes hungry, because nobody will allow it – when we work Together for Change.#TogetherForChange