For some mad reason I decided it would be a good idea to try to run the Hebrides Way in one go - from Butt of Lewis in the far north, across Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Grimsay, Barra, and finally to Vatersay. I've never run this distance before so it's going to be interesting! It seems a shame not to put this effort to some good hence the decision to use it to raise some funds for two causes.

I spend a lot of time in the hills, running or hiking, and I wanted to give something to a local cause whilst running across the Islands. The Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team responds to a diverse range of incidents from overdue walkers, crag fast climbers, missing persons and animal rescues along the length of the Outer Hebrides so it was a natural choice.

Motor Neuron Disease hit close to home when a colleague died after developing MND. Doddie Weir OBE is one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities. He earned 61 caps for Scotland during a successful playing career, represented the British and Irish Lions on their successful tour to South Africa in 1997, and won championships with his two club sides, Melrose and Newcastle Falcons. In June 2017 the Scot revealed he was suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. From the outset, Doddie has been driven to help fellow sufferers and seek ways to further research into this, as yet, incurable disease. In November 2017, Doddie and his trustees launched the registered charity, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Two great causes, one bonkers challenge.