April 2025 sees me reach a milestone birthday so I am looking to do something to mark the occasion and at the same time raise some money for the charity Cyrenians where I am the treasurer. So what should I do?

During the 1980s I was sponsored to walk the Forth Road Bridge more times than I can remember. I have no head for heights so no sky diving, bungee jumping or abseils off bridges. I am not a runner or swimmer so that rules out marathons or endurance swims. I did the ice bath challenge when it was fashionable and have done a sleep out in winter and both are in the `’never again``’ category. I did consider completing a 6,000 piece jigsaw of the Sistine Chapel but it would take a year to do and be too large for the dining table.

So I have decided to to read a book a week for the next six months to complete the challenge by my birthday. The books are not those that I would normally read but chosen from the various lists of books that everyone is recommended to read during their life. So I plan to make a start with Wild Swans - three daughters of China by Jung Chang, the Handmaid’s tale by Margaret Atwood, and To kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

So please encourage me by donating. Cyrenians has been tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness for over 50 years. As well as providing direct support to those experiencing homelessness, we work to prevent homelessness by alleviating poverty, tackling food insecurity and providing support to families and young people.