Last year I helped to provide 104 Christmas presents which were given to the Northampton branch of Home-Start - bringing a smile to each child who received one. My cover photo shows some of last year's gifts before they were wrapped up.

I'd like to do be part of the same thing again and a number of activities are planned between now and the end of November.

The first one will see me abseiling 120m down the National Abseil Centre (formerly the Northampton Lift Tower...or for those fans of Terry Wogan, the Northampton Lighthouse!) on Saturday 12th August.

If you are able to make a donation to help me 'make it over the edge and safely down to the ground' and ultimately turn an adrenaline rush into gifts this Christmas then you can do so by using the donate button on this page.

Any amount would be greatly appreciated and in the words of one famous retailer...every little helps!

In case you are unfamiliar with Home-Start then here is some information about what they do:

Home-Start Northampton was established in 1982 and is based in the town centre. The charity provides a unique service for local families, recruiting and training volunteers to support parents with young children at home by offering friendship and practical help. Home-Start works in partnership with families to develop confidence, positive relationships with their children and to widen links within the community.

Home-Start is unique in that its volunteers support families within their own homes, where the dignity and identity of each individual, as well as the diverse range of family structures, are respected and protected. This support is informal, friendly and confidential, delivered through carefully selected and prepared volunteers, who are parents themselves. Home-Start helps to prevent family breakdown and crisis, avoiding the need for more formal and costly intervention.

Home-Start supports families where there is at least one child under the age of five. Volunteers are trained and then matched with families who are struggling to cope with the practical challenges of raising a family. These challenges are often compounded by other circumstances such as; financial challenges, family breakdown, domestic abuse, substance abuse, poor emotional or mental health, physical disability or illness, learning difficulties, low self-esteem or social isolation. Volunteers visit weekly for 2-3 hours to provide practical and emotional support tailored to the individual family’s needs. Their support is free, confidential and non-judgemental.

Studies show that parents receiving support from Home-Start benefit from positive changes in parental wellbeing, competence and behaviour. Through helping to address the problems faced by these families, Home-Start is also contributing to the development of local, healthy, sustainable communities.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and any support you are able to provide.

Rachel