On the 10th of September 2011, I will be putting myself through a huge physical and mental challenge.

I'm sure you have all heard of the National 3 Peaks Challenge, where people attempt to climb the 3 largest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales; Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon, usually one peak a day, during a 3 day event.

However in 2 months time, I will be attempting this challenge 'in one go'!! Back-to-back climbs, aiming for no more than 13 hours in total of actual climbing. With an overall goal of completing the challenge in under 24 hours including driving from one peak to the next, to the next.

And if you're thinking to yourself "the numbers don't add up to complete 3 climbs in daylight and some 450 road miles in between, in 24 hours!!" you would be absolutely correct - you can't. That's why the 2nd climb, Scafell Pike, a 3209 ft climb in the Lake District, is done during the night!! Aiming to set off at approximately half past midnight and be back down and setting off to the final climb, Snowdon, before sunrise. 

Bonkers eh!

But it's for a fantastic cause. Cash for Kids.

They are the official Charity of TFM Radio & Magic 1170. Set up in the 1970's, they have raised millions of pounds to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in the local area.

Last year was the most successful year to date raising nearly £750,000 I am sure you will agree that this is a truly amazing amount, especially given the current financial situation. The total number of children helped throughout 2010 was over 26,000. The funding purchased specialist trikes, sensory equipment, helmet therapy, special laptops, outdoor exercise equipment, starter packs for homeless children, holistic programmes and many more to meet the children's needs.

Every penny raised stays within the local area and we are unique in the fact that we also help other children's charities and groups too. They supported the following in 2010; Children's Bereavement Service - Teesside Hospice, Outreach Programme – Barnardos SECOS, Pilot Programme - EVA Women's Aid, Supported Living Project – Gainford House, as well as many local special needs schools and other organisations.

They also supported 12,000 local deprived children with summer activities that included; theatre tickets, cinema, bowling, swimming, paintballing, aquariums, animal farms and many more.

They have also been able to support some very hard hitting causes this year such as sexually exploited children, homeless teenagers and children affected by various forms of abuse.

I'm sure you'll all agree it's a wonderful charity.

I can think of a dozen reasons not to do this, more than a dozen actually, but the one reason to do it far outweighs them, our local needy children.

I'm going to be digging soooo deep to complete this challenge people...... please can you dig deep too?

Thank you,

Em