UPDATE 30th September

I'm pleased to announce that Barclays have come up with the goods - or, more to the point, £750 in matched funding - bringing the total raised for St Ann's to £1620. THANK YOU everybody!

UPDATE 31st August

Done it! When I started out at the beginning of August, I thought I should be able to manage more than 100km, so I set a target of 100 miles, or about 160km. When I got to that, I thought 200km should be within reach, or maybe 250. Today, on the last day, a walk of about 13km - from Lyme Park, along the Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal - has taken me to just over 300km (about 187 miles in old money) which is more than I thought I'd manage.

Sincere thanks to everyone who's made donations to St Ann's Hospice. Your generosity will help the hospice continue to provide a vital service for so many people at a difficult time in their lives. No pressure on anyone, especially given the cost of living challenges that many of us face - but if anyone else would like to make a donation, it's still not too late!

UPDATE 28th August

Another 5 miles before breakfast today, and I'm now up to 162 miles (about 260km). 3 more walking days to go, so I'll be fitting in at least another 15 miles, hopefully a bit more. Thanks everyone for their support and donations to St Ann's.

UPDATE 15th August

Half way through August, and with 5 miles walking before breakfast today my total stands at 78 miles (about 125km). Barring the unforeseen, my original target of 100 miles looks well within reach, and the next target beyond that will be 200km (about 125 miles). I missed one day early in the month, but I'm aiming to clock up a few miles each day until the end of August, rain or shine. Thanks to everyone who's encouraged me (and of course to those who've kindly donated to St Ann's❤️)

Remember - every pound you donate can be worth up to £2.25 to the hospice, with Gift Aid and the matching contribution I'm expecting from Barclays.

* * * *

I’ve decided that, after last year’s attempt at Kilimanjaro, I need to improve my fitness before venturing far afield. I still have hopes for next year, and I have a shortlist of potential challenges, but this year I’ve decided to aim for something nearer to home. It’s not in the same league as Kilimanjaro, or Everest Base Camp, but at my current level of fitness I think it will still be worthwhile. I’ve joined the “100km in August” challenge, being run by St Ann’s Hospice. As the name suggests, the target is to cover 100 kilometres, by running, walking, cycling or whatever (under your own steam of course) during the month. For anyone not sure, 100km is about 62 miles. However, I feel that I can certainly do more than that, so I’m aiming to walk at least 100 miles (about 160km) or more if I can manage it.

I don’t think St Ann’s needs any introduction, as many of us know of friends or family who’ve benefited from their care and support. They are, or course, always in need of funds to help them to keep going, and currently need to raise the money for a new hospice building at Heald Green. I know the ever-rising cost of living puts a strain on everyone’s finances, so I don’t want to add to that strain, but all donations, however small, will be very welcome - every little helps! With Gift Aid, and matched funding which I hope to get from Barclays, £1 donated can be worth as much as £2.25 to the charity.

Thanks for your support!