I've decided that I'm going to walk up Coniston Old Man in the Lake District at sunrise to spread awareness and raise money for the research of Sarcoidosis UK.

I'm lucky enough to be a part of the Thunder Cricket Team and Lancashire County Cricket Club. My friends, teammates and staff will be joining me on this walk to help raise as much money as possible.

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that not many people know about. Sarcoidosis can occur in any organ in the body with the lungs being the most common. The condition develops lumps called granulomas which are made up of clusters of cells involved in inflammation which then prevents the organs performing correctly. The exact cause of Sarcoidosis unknown but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research is needed so the cause can be identified to then find a cure.

This charity is close to my heart because as some of you may know my Mum was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis of the heart 3 years ago at the age of 51. My Mum's case is rare in itself as only 1 in 50 patients with the condition have it affect their heart. We still don't know how this happened to my Mum and as of now there is no cure. Our family have, not least my Mum, been on a rollercoaster during this time. It makes it an even harder pill to swallow as she used to be very sports minded and incredibly fit and healthy from which I believe I inherited my sporty background. Unfortunately for now she is bed bound and rather un-well, with a massive impact from the side affects of all the medication she is on. 

With all that being said, I'm very excited for this walk to raise awareness with the support of my friends. I've been told that the walk will take around 5-6 hours. So please wish us luck! We will be doing this on the 27th February.