When I was first diagnosed with my chronic illness, my whole life had to change. It took years to regain a sense of normality and build a life that was inclusive for me, and finding meaningful work was a huge part of that process. Astriid is the charity I wish had existed when I was first seeking inclusive employment - they match talented people who have chronic illnesses with fulfilling opportunities, and are leading experts in long-term conditions at work.

Among other freelance opportunities, I've been part of the Astriid team since 2019. Over that time, the charity has matched hundreds of people with inclusive roles, influenced government policy and guidance around disability and work, and developed game-changing consultancy that finally makes people with Energy Limiting Conditions much more visible in the conversation. Astriid has changed lives for the better, my own included. But now, the charity needs your help to survive.

As part of the annual Astriid Challenge, the charity is asking people to set themselves a challenge based around the number 20, to represent the critical figure of £20,000 needed to keep the charity operating in these difficult financial times. As part of this, I'm challenging myself to travel 20 miles in my wheelchair.

To some, 20 miles will sound like no distance at all. A non-disabled person could walk that in a day. For me, though, things are different. At my most unwell, even sitting up in bed for 20 minutes was a challenge. Even though I've experienced significant improvement over the last few years, and I now use a power-chair, every trip out of the house still takes an enormous amount of effort and energy. However, being able to engage with the outside world once more is something I will never take for granted... because I know how many people in a similar position wish for the same for themselves.

The decision to cover 20 miles in my wheelchair was made very carefully. The narrative about 'pushing yourself' and making yourself ill to achieve your goals is not something I support, so I settled on a distance and timeframe that would challenge me, but not make me unwell. I'll cover that distance in small chunks spread over many days, so I can allow myself ample time to rest and enough flexibility to accommodate my symptoms. My power-chair, named Janice, is... slightly temperamental to say the least, so completing this challenge will be just as big of an accomplishment for her as it will be for me!

I'll be documenting some of my little adventures on social media (@lifeofpippa) and I'd be hugely grateful for any donations, no matter how small. I know it's an incredibly difficult time to ask for charitable aid, especially for fellow disabled people, so if you're unable to donate, sharing this page would be just as highly appreciated.

And more than anything, I'd love for you to join me! The Astriid Challenge is taking place throughout June and July, so there's plenty of time to decide on your own challenge and help raise vital funds for this incredible cause. You can find some examples of physical and less-physical challenges on Astriid's social media pages!

Thank you so much for your time, and thank you in advance for any support you can offer!