Hi, my name is Paul Blackburn and along with my wife Lesley we've been foster carers for Derbyshire County Council since 2009.

One of the highlights of the year is the Christmas party which is always enjoyed by the children and their carers, with a buffet, children's entertainer, disco, party games, and of course a visit from Santa, with a gift for every child.

This event has always been funded by Derbyshire County Council, with social workers and support staff volunteering their time. In recent years with ongoing budget cuts this event has suffered to the point that at last year's party the buffet ran out, so the social workers put their hands in their own pockets to buy more provisions from a local supermarket.

I wanted to try and help out this year by raising some extra cash for the party. So I have decided to walk the West Highland Way.

The West Highland Way is a 96 mile route from just outside Glasgow to Fort William at the base of Ben Nevis. I'm looking to complete the walk in 8 days from the 4th-11th October 2017. All personal expenses will be met by myself.

All donations will help fund the children's Christmas party which is on 13th December 2017.

Thank you in advance for any donation you are able to make.

Paul