I have signed up to the Great North Solo running challenge to help raise funds for our local unit of the MVS. By signing up to the challenge my entrance fee has been donated to the NHS Charities together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. I will track all of my runs over a period of 28 days and they must total 50km in order to be successful.

Covid-19 has had a catastrophic effect on the fundraising efforts of local charities. The Maritime Volunteer Service is a registered charity (No. 1048454 and in Scotland SC 039269) with units across the UK who are desperately in need of funds to maintain and berth our vessels. Our fleet is currently 'laid-up' and what this means for the Northumbria Unit is that we are still liable for running costs/repairs as well berthing fees for our patrol vessel, Tyne Spirit. Our programme of fundraising has been cancelled (our only income) due to the pandemic and we receive no government funding. We work closely with all three port authorities in the region and whilst we're eager to get back out to supporting our communities afloat, we understand that under the current government restrictions, this is impossible for us. This doesn't mean that we've taken our foot off the gas - we have been working hard, delivering a programme of online training to up-skill our unit members and we've actually gained new members during the lockdown.

On a personal level, I am the Head of Unit for Northumbria and also serve on the board nationally as a trustee and director. I care immensely about the future of our unit and our members, and as such - this is a big personal challenge for me to undertake. I am not a runner and only started my running journey at the beginning of May this year. Any help will be greatly appreciated and the money will directly impact a local charity working to improve the skills of our volunteers and in turn serve the community around us both afloat and ashore.