Hi everyone,

We’re off again! This year, we’re hiking a challenging 26-mile route in Yorkshire. I haven’t fully recovered from last year’s hike; I’m fatter and more unfit 😱.

Our team this year is named "Stubbornly Glad, Mighty Mad" in memory of our incredible friend and teammate Michelle Holding (mad leggings & blue hair in last year's team photo). Michelle lived by the poem "Stubborn Gladness," making sure she enjoyed life and did what she wanted until her disease took over, and she passed away at New Year. We became lifeguards together 24 years ago and remained close friends ever since.

Last year, I finished dead last out of nearly 2000 participants in the South Coast Mighty Hike. I crossed the finish line with the back markers, in the dark, completely last. I was worried about doing it again, but Michelle’s words motivated me to put on my big girl pants and sign up again. When I initially hesitated signing up for my first mighty hike, saying, "mate, I haven't been able to walk anywhere near that far since I broke my back," she retorted, "I'm doing it & I'm dying, what's your excuse?! Nothing will beat my top trumps card so get signed up."

So, here I am, hiking again in Michelle’s honour. Please donate whatever you can to this amazing cause. Macmillan Cancer Support does so much to help people like Michelle.

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Cathy (the little chubby one on the far left of last year's team!)