Last year, you helped me to raise nearly £1300.00 for Animal Angels Global, by sponsoring me to walk 50km in one day.

This year, I wanted to do something a little different to help this charity that I adore. (Bear with me as I explain!) Please sponsor me, even if it's the small change in your pocket- no amount is too small and every single penny counts.

This year will be an entire summer of fundraising, as what I need to do takes time. I'm splitting it into 4 parts.

1- I am going to learn to swim. As previously explained, I am absolutely petrified of this. I've come from a previous domestic abusive relationship, and on several occasions, when I tried to take my eldest swimming, my now ex partner would cruelly hold me under the water. This has impacted so much on me that my husband can't even take me. Each time I go near a pool, I have a panic attack. So you can see this isn't going to be a walk in the park. This is going to take every ounce of mental strength I've got to battle through the PTSD.

2- I am going to handle some creatures that I am terrified of. Creatures that I used to stay awake at night convinced they would attack me (I know, as a child I had a too vivid imagination). My child attends Plumpton College's animal care course and they have very, very kindly agreed for me to go in and attempt to hold creatures such as snakes, lizards etc. Give me a furball, any day, no problem...

3- This is going to take the longest time and will include my husband and teenage child. During a 12 week period, I (we) are going to walk the distance that my beloved rescued dogs, Lemmy and Rocco, travelled from their shelter in Spain, to us here in Brighton. This is just under 2000 km, but we will round up. That means I will have to be pushing myself on days where I don't want to. No matter how exhausted I am (I am a mother to an army and grandmother to young boys) I will have to be out and about much more than usual. All weathers. And my Rocco will join in, too. Lemmy underwent surgery in December, so he will only do part of it.

For this part of my challenge, I would like YOU to join in and be interactive with me. Go for a walk by yourself, with your kiddos or with your pups. Take a photo and either post it to Lemmy's page https://www.facebook.com/dogcalledlemmy/ or tag me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jo.spookshowangel/ using the hashtag #podbodUK It doesn't matter how far you walk, but let's walk together!

4- Finally, my 9 year old will run 10km, to end our challenge. This means I need to learn to do it, too. It's actually really far. But she wants to take part and this is perfect for her. She doesn't know it yet, but when she crosses the finishing line, the wonderful Elianne from Animal Angels Global will present her with a medal. SShh.

This is a massive challenge that I have set and totally didn't think about it being during the summer holidays. I've only just clicked as I've written it. Whoops.

So the whys?

Animal Angels Global is a charity so close to my heart, it lives in there. Not only did they change my life by giving me my wonderful Lemmy, but 3 months later his best friend Rocco joined us. These amazing rescued dogs have transformed our lives. The more I got to know the charity and the vast amount of work they do, the more I have to give back. How could I not? They tirelessly dedicate their lives to helping thousands of animals. Yes, thousands. Dogs, cats, guniea pigs, frog, horses- you name it.

They also educate people and have neutering projects to prevent more unwanted animals. They provide food for animals that need it.

Their support didn't end once we adopted the boys- I speak to them on a nearly daily basis and they have supported us through absolutely everything. You will never come across two selfless, compassionate ladies such as these.

Your money last year helped fund a neutering project in Venezuela, which prevented hundreds of unwanted animals being born. YOU did that.

Your money also went to help provide emergency food sacks for street dogs, during the freezing winter. YOU helped to feed them.

Your money went to help fund an educational programme to teach children about rescue animals and their need to be neutered. YOU helped to educate.

And your money went to help little Doris have some much needed treatment. She is suffering from a variety of problems including the same cruciate issue that my Lemmy has. YOU helped her.

Your money also went on a lot of other things. It went far and it went wide. Your money went global.

Both myself and AAG, as well as all the causes helped (I was privileged enough to receive thank you pictures from them were so incredibly grateful for every last penny.

So please join me in helping to raise some funds, this year. This is the only charity event I'm planning on doing, so let's make it a corker. And don't forget to join me #podbodUK

Thank you for reading my immense essay. I will be updating of all progress on Insta.

Love and light- Jo