Hello! I’m Ruth Cornish, a former nurse turned massage therapist, living and loving life in Crickhowell in South Wales.

To celebrate turning 60, this year I’m aiming to complete 6 x very different challenges and activities to help raise a total of £1,000 for a local cause close to my heart.

The North Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation and Aftercare Charity provides a weekly programme of ongoing Cardiac Rehab Exercise Classes for people who have cardiovascular conditions.

My husband John went to classes run by a similar charity in Lancashire following two cardiac events two years ago. Those classes really helped him regain his fitness and confidence so he could get back to enjoying his twin passions: running and cycling.

Now we’re living in Crickhowell, I want to support the North Gwent charity to help make sure other people can benefit from community-based cardiac rehab exercise classes.

A big thanks to those who've donated so far:

CHALLENGE 1 (01 March) - COMPLETE

My pop-up Massage Day at the Wellness Room in Crickhowell raised £210, exceeding my £200 target for this challenge. I hope everyone who came along enjoyed their 30-minute massages!

CHALLENGE 2 (07 March) - COMPLETE

With the kind support of Treebeards Bar in Crickhowell High Street, my husband John and I sold 40 Potato Kits @ £5 each as part of the charity's annual fundraising Potato Growing Challenge. We also received some £100 in donations, giving us a total for this challenge of nearly £300.

My next challenge is on 03 May, when I'm hoping to run/walk the South Wales Three Peaks Trial route (Blorenge, Sugarloaf and Skirrid). Friends will join me for some or all of the route.

It will be a navigational challenge for me as I'm new to the area. And it will be a physical challenge, too, as the 20-mile route includes some 5,000ft of ascent, and so far this year the furthest I've run in one go is just 13 miles!

Watch this space for news of my other fundraisers throughout the year. And thank you for your support.