Many of you will already know that back in September we lost the wonderful Hannah Elmes.

Hannah and I grew up 4 doors down from each other, and as far as I’m aware as soon as either of us could walk we would be going down the road to knock on each others doors and ask if the other (plus any of our siblings and/or other kids from down the street) would like to come out and play.

Although time passed and we all grew up, Hannah remained my oldest mate, and even after the days of “playing out” stopped, one of us would always make that little walk every once in a while, just to catch up.

In honour of this, and in honour of Hannah, I’ve decided that on the week of her 22nd birthday this year, I will walk to her house, just like I used to do all the time.

However, I don’t live in South Cerney anymore. I live in Liverpool. So between the 23rd and ≈30th of June 2025, I’m going to walk the 291km (180 miles) from where I live in Liverpool now to Hannah’s house, carrying a tent to sleep in, food and water, and not much else!

I’m sure Hannah would call me absolutely mental for doing this, but I feel that’s all the more reason to push myself to do it.

As it’s in honour of Hannah, I will be attempting to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity chosen by Hannah’s family who do some amazing work. Details on them are as follows:

“When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. But every day 12 more children and young people hear the devastating news they have cancer. We’ll face it all together – but we can’t do it without you.”

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk

I would really appreciate any donations you could make, no matter how big or small.