A group of close friends recently decided that it would be a good idea to do the Dales Way Walk, an 80 mile journey from Bowness-On-Windermere to Ilkley for Mind - the mental health charity. I totally agree with them. And now I’ve been roped into doing it as well.

So rather than doing it over the suggested 6 days, as my brother is so typically Yorkshire and doesn’t like to use his leave/spend his money, we’re going to be doing it over 3 days. Equating to roughly a marathon a day. Given that none of us are keen walkers, or walkers at all, it will be quite a challenge.

I’ve set a target of £250. But IF this is reached, please don’t be afraid to donate still. It’s all in aid of a worthy cause and one particularly close to my heart given that a close friend recently fell victim to the above illness. Any donations, no matter how big or small, are greatly appreciated.

Mind are the mental health charity that won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. They provide supportive and reliable information that empowers people to understand their condition and the choices available to them, removing the stigma about talking about mental health.

One-in-four adults and one-in-ten children experience mental illness during their lifetime, and many more of us know and care for people who do. It is the biggest killer in males under 40, depriving families and friends of 84 loved ones every week. Improved mental health and wellbeing is associated with a range of better outcomes for people of all ages and backgrounds. Mind's blue light programme offers specialist support to emergency service personnel who will always need support with their mental health, because of the pressures they face in their roles.