Forty years ago, I attempted this route in borrowed boots (never do this), using just a fragment of a small-scale OS map (again, never do this), walking several miles in the wrong direction (again, unadvisable) after many hours hitchhiking (not recommended). Now, to celebrate my forthcoming significant birthday and impending retirement, I'm doing it again - this time as part of an intrepid band of well-prepared volunteers. People who know me will know of my career and life spent working with children and young people to overcome significant challenges. For almost as long, I've been a supporter of these amazing people.

Romsey Mill is a charity committed to overcoming disadvantage, challenging injustice and promoting social inclusion with young people, children and families. Each year, we work with over 2,000 individuals and families, from Cambridge city and across areas of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, including: young mothers and fathers young people on the margins of society who may be involved in risky or anti-social behaviour young people struggling to engage fully with education, families with pre-school children young people with an autistic spectrum condition.Our work is long-term, relational and needs-led. We work with participants to develop their skills and to enable their progress towards training, work and positive involvement in the community.