LAKE DISTRICT ULTRA CHALLENGE (100km) 12th & 13th June 2021

https://www.ultrachallenge.com/lake-district-challenge

Walking in the countryside gives me so much joy. I really do love being out in nature, especially when I've got far-reaching views under a blue sky. In the past few years I've walked the Isle of Wight coastal path (65m), the Pendle Way (45m) and the Schluchtensteig Gorge Trail in Germany (77m) through the Black Forest. Having said that, none of these required me to walk more than 15miles in a single day. The prospect of walking 100km (62m) in a weekend actually terrifies me and I have no idea whether I'll be able to do it, but I'm going to try.

I am walking to raise money for Student Minds. This charity works with students, service users, professionals and academics to develop new and innovative ways to improve the mental health of students. As a university librarian, I am surrounded by students going through a tough time. It's difficult not to want to help when you know there are people suffering. 

Further to this, those who know me will know that I have had real trouble with anxiety over the past few years. I don't always let it show when I am struggling, but recently I have tried to be more open and share how I feel. I want others to understand why on some days I might think, speak or behave differently. If that helps them too, well that's a great bonus! I think it's important to raise awareness of mental health issues and normalise them.

I can't fix everyone's problems, but I can walk 100km for a worthy cause.

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.