Increase the Peace (ITP) is an initiative established in 2008, following a donation from Safer Gloucester to promote peace and divert young people away from anti-social behaviour (ASB), gun and knife crimes, and gang affiliation. Its initial aim was to increase community spirit and promote the positive effects of urban music, by encouraging young people to express their feelings on crime and ASB through music. A CD was recorded by talented local youths and quickly sold out. This led to various live performances both locally and nationally.These initiatives continue today.

In September 2013, ITP became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with official charitable status (number: 1153861). The aim of the charity is to help and educate young people, particularly, but not exclusively through their educational and leisure-time activities, to develop their physical, emotional, social and behavioural capabilities. A further aim is to ensure these individuals mature with improved conditions of life and to support other charitable purposes in the local community.

To help raise money for this deserving cause, I am taking part in the Cotswold Way Challenge 2018

The Cotswold Way provides a stunning setting for this new and testing challenge - with some fantastic views enroute and some tough hills in between! It's a Saturday morning start from historic Bath, and ahead lies 100km of footpaths and trails before the Cheltenham finish line – where an overwhelming sense of elation awaits and a big celebration!

I will be taking part in the Full Challenge: A continuous 100km walk from Bath to Cheltenham, starting at 8am on Saturday 30 June, aiming to finish on the morning of Sunday 1 July.