Having been brought up in Switzerland, I have spent a lifetime walking in the Swiss Alps and then in England with my husband and family.

In 2015, I went on a trek of 5 days in the Grisons, staying in mountain huts with my brother Maurice and the following year, I enjoyed the 100 miles of the South Downs Way with my walking buddy Sally.

This year, I am giving myself a stiffer challenge! I intend to raise money for St Wilfrid's Hospice in Eastbourne. I am going to join some 2000 other walkers on the 'Thames Bridges Trek', a 25 kilometre trek crossing over 16 bridges in London. I have formed a team with my good friend Vivien who is keen to help me raise money for St Wilfrid's. We are calling our team 'Takes Two!'

The reason for this fund-raising venture is very personal. My husband Jeremy was diagnosed with prostate cancer a while ago. And now, it is with great sadness that I have to inform you that he died on the 11th July. It was a very peaceful end and he was with his close family. Over the last nine months of his life, we have been very fortunate to come across St Wilfrid's Hospice. It is a charitable organisation that deals with people suffering chronic conditions. The staff at St Wilfrid's have been extremely encouraging and invaluable in helping us to deal with the day to day difficulties of our lives in so many ways. I would like to be able to support them and to give something in return for the dedication.

It feels very good to be able to combine my love of walking with such an important cause. I hope you can give me your support.

Thank you.

Paulette