I've decided to fundraise for Nairn Academy Duke of Edinburgh Award . We are a group that is totally parent led, which is unusual these days. This year we have 6 Bronze groups (including 1 group with special needs), 3 Silver groups and 2 Gold groups. The Duke of Edinburgh Award involves young people in activities which improve personal skills and physical abilities, volunteering and going on expeditions, often in wild country. Completing a Duke of Edinburgh Award helps young people in so many ways. It can increase their confidence, develop the ability to work in a team and develop resilience and social skills. Not least it helps develop a person's portfolio which could help them get their first job or get into tertiary education. We rely solely on donations and charities for the running costs for things such as equipment, volunteer training and financial support for some young people doing their Award to buy personal kit etc. All donations however small will help. Also, this is a great time to join as a volunteer, we have an enthusiastic team of about 20 volunteers but there's plenty room for more so do get in touch if you are interested. You don't have to be outdoorsy, there are plenty different jobs or roles, big and small.

In February this year I decided to loose weight for health reasons and joined Slimming World in Nairn. In March my brother challenged me to do the Coast to Coast Triathlon Challenge from Nairn to Glencoe over 2 days, which involves off road hilly runs, on and off road cycling and kayaking. 'I'm just not a runner' I've heard myself say a hundred times. The furthest I had ever run was 3km and I didn't enjoy it. "It's just all about the time you spend training, do the time and you'll be fine' my brother Keith said. My brother is rather persuasive and doesn't take no for an answer. I thought "my heart is good and I don't have any aches or pains...if I don't do it at my age, I never will'. So I gave in and madly agreed to enter. Keith very promptly booked and paid the entry fee for himself, my nephew Callum and me. No backing out now.

6 months later and a good few miles under my belt, the Coast to Coast is just a week away. 'How do you feel' I hear you say...'Honestly.....terrified!' I don't care if I am last so long as I finish within the cut off period. And 2 days ago...I got down to my target weight! Thanks to Dawn and the Slimming World group. Thanks to Una from the The Links Tearoom in Nairn for giving me a long term loan of her hybrid bike and to my friends, colleagues and family for their support.

One of the young people in my NairnAcademy Duke of Edinburgh group said 'I really didn't think I was physically capable of it' after finishing her qualifying expedition. I'm taking inspiration from her. I am starting to see myself differently....maybe I am a runner.....