On 14 January 2024 I’ll be starting the Spine race. 268 miles, non-stop, covering the entire Pennine way. I say starting because I genuinely don’t know if I will finish, but I know I’ve done everything I can to give it a decent shot.

It’s been a long time since I’ve signed up to something that feels impossible. I’m terrified, excited and intimidated in equal measures. It’s been a 2.5 years journey to the start line, kindled by an impromptu walk across Wales in 2020 because we couldn’t get a B & B. Gradually, we’ve challenged ourself with increasing distance (including a 100 mile race), all terrains, all weathers and darkness. I’ve experimented with kit, I’ve fallen in love with poles and I’ve learnt to move with a pack. In 30 months we’ve spent 56 days doing multi-day, self supported, point to point adventures! I’ve got slower, way slower, but I’ve got stronger, albeit with a few niggles, 2 sprained ankles, a torn quad and horrendous sciatica along the way. What scares me most is that I’ve learnt how to keep going despite these ‘niggles’. Being able to choose to suffer is a privilege. This was my mantra for triathlon and it will be my mantra in the spine.

Anyone who knows me or follows me will understand my deep seated passion to support others through Move Against Cancer charity. I believe passionately in the power of movement for those living with and after cancer and for the last 5 years I’ve lived and breathed this belief, spending 1-2 days a week unpaid, co-founding and growing the 5K Your Way Cancer initiative and, since 2020 the Move Your Way resources and the Move Against Cancer charity as a whole. I know first hand the impact of the work we do - it honestly does change lives.

So, as I spend January exercising my choice to suffer, I’d be super grateful if you could do three things:

1. Show your support for me by supporting Move Against Cancer. Every pound will go directly to help us to inspire, support and empower people to Move Against Cancer.

2. Commit to moving 268 minutes your way between 14-21 Jan

3. Give me a song to add to my ‘stumbling to the spine’ playlist.

Thank you!