Below is a list of events my sister Laura is taking part in this year and the story behind why The Big Six was formed. I will be participating in the 5.25 mile Coniston Chillswim with her in June and cheering from the side for some of the other events. Any donations to this marvellous charity for children will be much appreciated.

Laura’s story-

10 years ago, my then 6-year old son told me that his 'life sucked' and that I had no idea what it was like to be him. It was one of the hardest things I've ever heard, mainly because it was true. I'd wrapped Lewis up in cotton wool and made it my mission to keep him safe. In doing so, I inadvertently kept him sheltered. He had no idea how amazing his life could be.

A conversation ensued about what it was really like to be Lewis, living with just half a heart, and what that really looked and felt like everyday. I had no idea what any of this felt like and made it my new mission to experience, if only for a brief moment, what it felt like to be him.

He shared his 6 most prominent symptoms and fears, and I decided to find a way to experience each of them to understand what it was like to walk in his shoes and to experience the world from his point of view. The Big Six was born.

Little did I know that the following 9-months would see us go on an adventure together which not only helped me better understand my son, but helped me understand myself. It taught both of us that we are all capable of more than we believe possible.

It's 10-years since The Big Six. So... now feels like a good time to go for Round 2! Reminding myself that we are all capable of more than we believe, reminding myself to take another perspective, and role-modelling to both of my sons that life can be an adventure regardless of how tough things get. There can be beauty in everything, especially in the tough moments.

My intention is to complete 6 events in 6-months, each event representing one of those 6 symptoms and fears that Lewis shared with me 10-years ago. So here goes:

May: The Cumbrian Challenge (Toughest Route) is approximately 28-30km over ascents and descents of 1800m of terrain over the fells in The Lake District.

June: Coniston Chillswim is a 5.25mile swim across the length of lake Coniston in The Lake District.

July: Tough Mudder UK Longest route, in Manchester.

August: 14,000ft SkyDive from Cark Airfield at Grange-over-sands, Lake District.

September: The Yorkshire Three Peaks 12hr Challenge.

October: Yorkshire Marathon (26.2miles).

I'll share more on why these events in another post, but this will be a pretty gruelling six months considering I'm currently starting from zero fitness and cardio wise, and I need to learn to swim front crawl!

I'll be raising awareness of children's congenital heart disease throughout this project, and will also be looking to raise funds for Little Hearts Matter, a charity who (if you excuse the pun) are close to my heart. I'll share more on that soon too.

Your well wishes, donations and support will all be really gratefully received, and of course of anyone would like to join me on any of these adventures, please let me know. I'm always happy to have some company!

That's all for now. Once I've posted this, I guess that makes it real, so here goes.... x