On a cold and uninspiring night last winter, I was looking to set myself a challenge (beyond my job, and living with three males) ... so, I said "yes" to an invite to climb the three highest mountains in the UK, in a leisurely 24 hours, on 18th May 2024. I thought "I am good at walking, this will be a piece of cake". I think there may have been a glass of Prosecco involved in that thought process, had I been eating a piece of cake instead, I think I would have had a more lucid appreciation of why the event is called The Three Peaks "Challenge".

But, here I am. It is going to be tough ! I am probably going to cry along the way, get blisters, swear under my breath, question my idea of time off work to have fun, but I am sure I will be utterly elated at the end of it.

It makes sense to make this, now imminent, ordeal serve a useful purpose with a bit of fundraising.

I am not looking for sponsorship for the activity. I have paid for it myself, all monies donated will go to the Chatterboxes' project.

At one of my lowest points as a parent, I stumbled across this group in September 2022 whilst searching on line for a service that could help my son. It was pure chance or the universe's way of coming to my aid.

I am and always will be deeply, deeply grateful to the YMCA team and the Chatterboxes for the support, confidence and friendship they have provided to us as a family. It got us through a very dark time and into the bright times we have now.

I would really appreciate your support with a small donation, and I do mean small, if you are able to do so. Thank you very much.

The Chatterboxes main aim is to raise awareness of disabilities and create a community which is equal for all whilst being surrounded by friendship and laughter.