My team of intrepid explorers - Catherine, Fran, Liz - and I are undertaking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. That's 24 miles (38.6km) and 1585m (5200ft) of ascent ... in 12 hours!

And we're doing it in aid of Action for M.E. Please sponsor us!

M.E. or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a long-term, fluctuating, neurological condition that causes symptoms affecting many body systems and can leave sufferers in pain and bed bound. Many M.E. sufferers are given the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or CFS/M.E. although it is possible that M.E./CFS may be an umbrella term for a number of illnesses which display the same debilitating symptoms. 

Our family has been affected by CFS/M.E. for years while my husband Stuart has suffered through - what would probably be described as - a very mild case of this condition. Nevertheless, there have been periods when he has not been able to work, not been able to join in with every day family life, not been able to get on with his own life.

He would readily tell you that there is no way he would be able to take on this challenge (to even attempt part of it would result in weeks off work, in bed, recuperating) so we're doing it for him! And for all of the other CFS/M.E. sufferers.

Action for M.E. supports critical biomedical research to further investigate and validate our understanding and increase knowledge of the different sub-groups (phenotypes) of M.E. and/or CFS, to help those who need it get the support they need, faster. 

So it's a brilliant cause, and they - and we - would be very grateful for even the smallest donation you could offer.

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.