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I've been volunteering for the Back Up Trust for 12 years, group leading courses for them and helping with their brilliant fundraising events. I usually use at least one week of my annual leave from work to volunteer my time on a Back Up Course and getting to see participants achieve more than they ever realised is always a highlight of my year. As it's been a few years since my last challenge event (the Snowdon Push), I thought it's about time I set myself a challenge and get you to dig deep for a great cause. So from July 13th to  July17th I'll be kayaking from Fort William to Inverness along the Great Glen.

So why take on the Great Glen, ? Well I've not kayaked before and I'm not a massive fan of swimming in open water so this will take me out of my comfort zone and test my stamina and fear. It's also my birthday that week and I'm hoping the Loch Ness monster will come out and wish me a happy birthday as I paddle along his/her stretch of the loch.

I've seen how Back Up has changed lives, sometimes the changes are huge and sometimes they are small but each and every changes improves a life. On one of my early courses I met a lovely women who was recently injured and was seriously lacking in confidence, fast forward the years and she has now competed for Great Britain in the Paralympics and is running he own business. On a more recent course one participant told me coming on the course had literally saved their life. I've seen endless participants increase their confidence with wheelchair skills and learning techniques to help them with dressing, cooking, and other day to day tasks, all leading to an improvement in their daily life.

Anyone can be affected by a spinal injury and Back Up's services really do ensure anyone affected, including family members, can get the help and support they need.

So friends, help me have a happy birthday and dig deep for this great cause.

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