It'll be no surprise to anybody that most mass-participation sporting events have been postponed this year, including the 24-hour 'Escape From Meriden' challenge where you have to get as far from Meriden in the centre of England on foot, with medals for getting 30 miles as the crow flies, 60 miles or a whopping 90 miles. The event was changed to accommodate Covid rules, but sadly had to be postponed at the last minute. Instead, there's an alternative 'Escape From Home' event (formally known as 'Day Release'). I shall be aiming to get 15 miles as the crow flies away from my home, then turn around and come home again! 

Lockdown has been a strange time for all of us, and we've all had to make adjustments. Some of us have been rather more fortunate than others. For me, going out walking and exploring my local area every day has been an enjoyable way of getting through it. I'm lucky in that I sometimes happen to bump into friends for a socially-distanced chat whilst I'm out, or can arrange to go for a stroll with somebody, plus I often borrow my friends' dog for company. However, for many lockdown has been a very lonely experience. That's why I'm doing #WalkWithTom. 

As the Country is now in a second national lockdown, The Captain Tom Foundation has launched Walk with Captain Tom. Its mission is to get as many people as possible walking and talking, spreading hope and easing loneliness.Earlier this year Captain Sir Tom united the nation walking laps of his garden and became the face of hope in dark times. Carrying on his journey, he and his family hope the Walk with Captain Tom initiative will unite the nation.The initiative encourages those of all ages, geographies and persuasion to take action. People can walk to keep their mind happy, walk and give someone a call. Walk to their shielding friends house and drop off a little something on the doorstep, or just talk at a distance of course.The coronavirus pandemic continues to cause so much uncertainty and strain, particularly for those facing loneliness, bereavement and mental health issues, and we want to help as much as we can.