Our brother Ben would have celebrated his 50th birthday this year. However, as many of you are aware, he tragically passed away at the young age of 44 due to a heart condition called Aortic Dissection, often misdiagnosed or overlooked.

To mark what would have been a big birthday for Ben and in support of the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, a cause our mother has been deeply involved with since Ben's passing, we wanted to take action to raise awareness.

Reflecting on things we had done with Ben I recalled an experience from years ago, when I (Sarah) was 19, Ben was 17, and Oli was 10, and thought what a fitting thing it would be to attempt it again! I am already getting nervous!

Ben and I embarked on a challenging 42-mile journey across the North York Moors known as the Lyke Wake Walk. Led by our father, we tackled this arduous trek, enduring sore joints, countless blisters, and exhaustion. Ben, whilst never known to miss a meal, nodded off in the hotel bath before dinner, and I distinctly remember struggling to climb the stairs to bed afterward.

Whilst Oli was too young to join us then, he provided much-needed support along the way with our mother, supplying us with food and encouragement. This time he has no excuse to miss it (other than the snapped achilles and long recovery that he is now trying to fast track!)

I wondered if Ben would have participated again in such a challenge had he been with us today. When I shared our plans with Tracey, his wife, she reminisced, "Oh yes, Ben mentioned that! He told me it was the toughest thing he ever did." We think, knowing Ben, that despite the pain he recalls he would have been up for the challenge again, had it been put to him, and we believe he'd appreciate our endeavour in his memory.

Though we've just embarked on a 17-mile training walk together, we recognise the daunting task ahead. At ages 52 and 43, attempting to surpass that distance in a single day will undoubtedly test our limits.

If you're able, we would greatly appreciate any donations toward this cause. Your support will not only help alleviate our inevitable pain and blisters but also contribute to raising awareness of Aortic Dissection. We'll keep you updated on our progress and the outcome of our attempt. Thank you!!