268 miles up the Pennine Way through WIND, RAIN, ICE AND SNOW in January for Mummy's Star

Text "PAPA48 £2 / £5 / £10" TO 70070

On the 11th of January 2014 I will attempt to complete The Spine Race.  The Spine Race is billed as Britain's most brutal race and consists of a 268 mile continuous foot race from Edale in the Peak district to Kirk Yetholm, just accross the Scottish border.  We must carry everything required to keep us alive and will be sleeping in bivi bags in the wild.  We have a maximum of 7 days to complete the challenge.  I will be doing this to raise funds for Mummy's Star; in appreciation of the amazing strength and courage of our friend Elisa.

In July of 2013, our amazing friend Elisa was diagnosed with breast cancer.  This is a challenge in itself, but there was an added element, she was 6 months pregnant.  I'll never forget what my best friend Jason (Elisa's husband) said to me - "You never think it's going to happen to you or anyone you know..."

Elisa underwent 2 bouts of chemo whilst still pregnant and was induced early to clear the way for the 3rd bout.  Thankfully, on 10th of October beautiful Zoe was born and has taken her place in the family amongst her other two amazing sisters.

Following her 3rd and final bout of chemo, Elisa has been informed that the treatment has not been successful and that she will undergo a double mastectomy on the 13th of Januaury.

I asked Elisa which charity she would like me to raise money for and she chose Mummy's Star because, "they offer support and understanding to a unique group of people."  Elisa explained that her specialist at the hospital had over 30 years of experience and that in this time he had only known of 3 cases similar to Elisa's.

Mummy's Star are able to offer advice and a support network from people who have lived the experiences of dealing with cancer through childbirth.

12th January update: Papa Ferret has completed over 100km of the race. He is heading into his second sleepless night, gritting his teeth and hoping to scurry on to the next Check Point (Hawes.) Ben has been checking this page and said: "It has filled my heart with courage and my eyes with tears.

Good luck to Elisa with tomorrow's operation. Our thoughts, love and well wishes are with her.

13th January update: Papa Ferret was in the zone today and arrived at Check Point 2 at 21:47. He is in high spirits, confident on his plan and was about to have a short sleep before getting back on the path at 2am. He is extremely grateful for all the donations and said, "It raises my spirits and keeps me going."

Elisa went through over five hours surgery today at Yeovil Hospital. If Ben can find an ounce of her strength and fighting spirit, he will crack the Spine!

We wish Elisa all the positive thoughts and love in the world. We hope some focus on Papa Ferret's mad escapade is helping her at this tough time.

Please continue to donate - it is making a difference!

Track and cheer Papa Ferret's (No 27) progress here: 

Spine.opentracking.co.uk