Some of you might know the story of how this crazy idea came about but for those who don't, here's the short version

I absolutely shouldn't be allowed to listen to Radio 4 at 6 am as i'm dangerously susceptible to being influenced by the likes of Clare Balding and her program Ramblings. Totally inspired I called Alex, telling him that he was going to be walking home from his wedding, and being barely awake he really will agree to almost anything in order to go back to sleep.

Only later when we both woke up did we realise what a task we had pledged ourselves to and here we are soon to be married and about to embark on our fateful walk.

We will be walking from Stroud in the beautiful Cotswolds to our home in Breaston, Derbyshire between the 14th-25th of May 2017 in place of a honeymoon, Wilson (our pointer) will be joining us and we will stop in a B&B each night. We anticipate the route to cover approximately 160 miles.

So why are we doing this?

A few years ago I lost my dear Grandad to cancer. During his final days he was made comfortable and carefully, compassionately looked after by the wonderful staff of the Rutland Memorial Hospital (aka Oakham Cottage Hospital). Their dedication and thoughtfulness as well as the incredible facilities we were lucky enough to have helped my family through a deeply sad and traumatic time and I wish to show my gratitude by raising money to help them in some small way and will discuss with them what the money raised would be best used for.

In addition we are supporting the Heads Together Campaign, a group of charities, organisations and individual who's goal it is to end the stigma around mental health. As we have witness first hand what mental health illnesses can do to the individual and those around them it seemed fitting to support the campaign during our walk.

We welcome your support in our task.

Kind regards

Joanna and Alex xxx