My name is Val and I am involved with a local charity in Blyth, Northumberland where we work with children and young people aged between 8 and 17. Many of the children that come through our doors have little opportunity to go much further than the estate they live on.

The charity I work alongside would love to own their own minibus so we can take the children and young people to some of the events specifically for young people that they enjoy year on year.

So what am I aiming to do? On Satudrday 12 August 2017, I am taking part in a personal challenge and it certainly will be! Those of you who know m, know that exercise and me are not really great friends!

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge takes on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, usually in this order, and in under 12 hours. These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks route is 24-miles long, and includes 5,200ft (1,585m) of ascent.

Over the next 6 weeks I will be putting myself through some grueling training, eating foods my body will shout at. I have started going to a gym and even the treadmill feels sorry for itself, hearing me moan at myself for taking on a big challenge in a short space of time. You never know, next year, I may be ready to take on the National Peaks of Scotland, England and Wales.