My 30 mile hike from the home of Gloucester Rugby to the Worcester Warriors home ground is the first time I will have ever attempted such a marathon+ distance. A keen supporter of Gloucester Rugby for years, I am putting my newly found love of Nordic Walking really to the test in an attempt to trek all the way from Kingsholm to Sixways.

Why? I want to raise much needed funds for a group of charities which are extremely close to my heart. Each one has separately inspired me to take on this huge challenge, notwithstanding arthritis in my hands and knees. Despite my all-important walking poles, it's a big ask!

MNDA was founded in 1979, just one year before my own Dad died after suffering this cruel disease. I have been a member ever since. I joined the Gloucestershire branch over 5 years ago, where I am actively involved in fundraising and campaigning in the local area, and for the inspirational local family man Mike Crisp / Pain in the ALS.

Tewkesbury Refugee Support Group has been a big part of my life since joining in 2016. Helping to settle displaced Syrian families in the area as part of the UNHCR scheme is their main aim, a response to the biggest humanitarian crisis of our lifetime. I am proud to pay an active and direct role in family support and integration: offering time, care and helping to raise life-changing funds.

St. Richard's Hospice at home enabled a very dear friend of mine to receive the special care and attention she desperately needed to remain in her own home until she passed peacefully from terminal cancer.

I'm attempting to reach Sixways stadium in time to see the two teams face each other in a local derby - kicking off at 3pm on Sunday the 28th of April. Please donate generously here. Every pound will keep me going!

Full details of the route to follow - please email me if you're a friend who'd like to walk part of the way to spur me on!