On June 18, Rachel, Alice, and I are taking part in Step Out, a sponsored walk/run at Capstone Park, Chatham, in aid of the Stroke Association.

It is an "all-abilities" event and so there isn't a target distance. You set your own challenge depending on your own abilities.

Each Step Out for Stroke event has a course, starting and finishing in the same location. Most are around one mile in length. Depending on your own ability you can set your own distance, 10 steps, 100 meters, one mile or 10 laps.

I aim to walk as far as I can, but cannot guarantee how far that will be, although having Rachel beside me will encourage me to always take that extra step.

As some of you may already know, out of the blue, I was nearly killed by a sudden aortic aneurysm back in 2005, and during the emergency, lifesaving, operation I suffered a stroke. 

This has left me with multiple medical complications - from memory issues to a lame left leg (which is why I walk with a stick these days).

The road to recovery has been long and slow, and I accept that I am never going to fully recover.

Every step I take on this walk will help raise awareness of stroke and the vital funds the Stroke Association needs for its work supporting the stroke community.

So, please support us and this magnificent charity.