I can give you lots of reasons, well rehearsed over 10 years, why doing this - especially in midlife - is a crazy idea. Read them all, and what finally changed at http://wildrubies.co.uk/2017/05/04/becoming-midlife-midwife-crazy-idea/. So I start a 3 year full time midwifery degree this September at Kingston/St George's.

This is the dream: that I might use ALL of who I am made to be - the woman, the voice, the mother, the coach - to bring refreshment and possibility to midwives in the NHS who are losing hope. I am not one to hold back, as you know, from thinking deep and wide, believing anything is possible.

So this is an invitation, to come with me, with us as a family, on this journey. You can do that by

- Helping me remember the high dream and the long view

- Keeping me accountable to remember the spirit of gratitude I started with: grateful to those who have inspired me including you midwives I have worked alongside, who have poured out heart with a hefty dose of soul, and occupied your natural and rightful place of standing for 'yes' and 'why on earth not?' in a system which tends towards the opposite.

- Helping me remember my intention to enter this phase with humility, curiosity, and a freshness of mind. And helping me recall my intention to find pleasure and discovery amid the younger generation in my student cohort, some of whom may be barely 3 years older than Robin, our eldest.

- Help us pay for the course and the childcare we will need. This year is the first year that midwifery direct entry costs as a full degree. And with 60% placement time too, Ione will need morning, afternoon and unpredictable childcare. If you feel inspired to give, even a very small sum, it would be a huge encouragement. You are indeed my tribe of witnesses on this journey.

With love, Kate and family