I'm walking from the River Thames to the River Trent - that's 175 miles from London to Nottingham, following the Grand Union Canal.

Why? I am setting up a new group in South London for autistic children called the Engine Shed.

The Engine Shed is a special interest group for children and young people with autism. Many young people with autism have a special interest, and that special interest is often transport and railways in particular. The club will allow them to get together and enjoy their hobby in a safe and environment – and their parents can relax, and talk in a supportive atmosphere. The Engine Shed will be open once a month at weekends.

There are already two Engine Sheds - in Reading and Chingford. http://www.theengineshed.org.uk/about-us/
But it would be great to have one nearer central London.

Why are we fundraising? We've got a venue to hire, model railways to buy, and a publicity campaign to run. So if you could spare a few quid to help me, that would be great.

So, let's go! I've got a canal to follow. Nottingham, here I come ...