In late November 2021, I broke my ankle in three places whilst out walking in the snow in the North Pennines and was rescued by the Great North Air Ambulance, due to the cold temperatures and threat to my limb.

This brought some things into sharp focus:

1. I can't believe this essential service is a charity!

2. The importance of just being outdoors for my mental health

3. Gratitude for what my body is capable of - even the rattly, crunchy, painful bits - and the desire to celebrate this while I can

I would therefore like to bring all these things together in an adventure challenge to shine a light on this incredible charity and raise as much money as I can for them whilst at the same time continuing to use the opportunity to encourage others to get out there and have a go!

The Challenge - Spring 2024

Single continuous self powered journey in Wales, England and Scotland. Paddling the longest lake, climbing the highest mountain and cycling between them. A total of 900km cycling, 64km paddling (with all my kit!) and 39km walking.

For me, it's not about being the best, the fastest, the furthest or the first - it's about finding your own challenge, enjoying the journey and finding the adventure along the way. It doesn't have to always be about comparing yourself with others and measuring your success against their achievements, it's about taking that inspiration to create your own.

My measure of success will be to complete this with a smile on my face and some stories to tell. If it inspires others to have a try at something new or gives them the courage to step away from endless comparisons and self doubt then even better :) Let's celebrate what we have!

GNAAS

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) rescues hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year throughout the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. Their doctor-led critical care teams deliver life-saving treatments at the scene of the incident whether that is on a fell top, a roadside or in a city centre. The charity responded to 1,640 call outs last year* alone, via their helicopter and emergency response vehicles, where they performed treatments and procedures which can mean the difference between life or death.