Having worked at National Star for 18 years I know firsthand the difference the charity makes to people with complex disabilities.

I've roped in my faithful steed, Smarty, to help me gallop towards raising more than £400 for the 'Go Far, Be a Star' challenge.

Over the month of February, come rain or shine, Smarty and I will be clocking up over 70 miles in the saddle. I normally ride Smarty for four to five days a week so this is a significant increase for both of us.

I will have plenty of Smarty's favourite treats - she adores carrots and there will be plenty in my back pocket to keep her engaged in our fundraising challenge.

So please sponsor me (well Smarty really) as we trek through the Cotswold countryside in aid of this fantastic cause.

Will it be easy? Probably not as I am a fair weather rider and things are pretty busy at work at the moment. But we are both determined to do our bit to help raise the money needed to build new, specialist accommodation for students at Ullenwood.