I turned 50 in September 2020 - mid-pandemic - and have decided to mark this by blundering unprepared into a range of ridiculously big physical challenges over the year that involve the number 50!  

This is in part to prove to myself that I still can, to support my fragile male ego, and to get fitter, but mainly to have an opportunity to raise some for a great local charity; Julia's House (see below).

The first few challenges are:

50km run - 31st October 2020, Ham Hill to Lyme Regis

50mile cycle - 13th June 2021 Bridport circular via Thorncombe, Maiden Newton and Hardy Monument.

50km paddleboard - date tbc 

Happy to take suggestions involving the number 50, as long as I can complete them by 11th Sept 2021.   I originally thought to try to raise £50,000 but thought that might be a step too far, but hey if I reach £5,000, who knows how high it can go.

I am supporting Julia's House because it is an amazing organisation that helps families facing unimaginable heartbreak - the knowledge that their child may not live into adulthood.   I am so lucky to have two amazing boys who don't face any of the problems that Julia's House children do, so this is on their behalf as well as mine.

Julia’s House provides frequent, flexible care for children with life-limited or life-threatening conditions to give their parents a much-needed break.

Amazingly, Julia’s House gets little or no public money and has to fundraise 95% of the money it needs each year, one of the reasons I have chosen to support them. Your kind sponsorship will make a life-changing difference to these families.