In 2017, I have challenged myself to walk the length of the 15 UK National Parks, in order to raise at least £1500 for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT), a charity that has saved the life of my sister and thousands of other lives over its 25 year history. 

In January 2016, my sister's life was saved by the Air Ambulance after she was airlifted from an RTC to Derriford Hospital. My sister was one of many that have been granted a second chance because of this lifesaving charity and it humbles me to be able to have the opportunity to give back whilst doing something I enjoy so much. 

There are 15 national parks dotted throughout England, Wales and Scotland, from the misty marshes of the Norfolk Broads to the soaring heights of the Cairngorms, from the bleak wilderness of Dartmoor to the limestone crags of the Yorkshire Dales. The challenge will require me to walk at least 40 miles across each park over at least two days, always hitting the highest point and with each route planned to take in hidden and overlooked parts of each National Park. The walks are being planned each month with a walk every month and two walks in the summer months of July, August and September. 

I am capturing my challenge at www.WalkNationalParks.co.uk where I will be keeping a diary and blogging to capture the route, sights, history and progress with the hope that it can be emulated by others in the future. 

I am hoping to raise £2000 for the DAAT and to inspire people to get outdoors and explore the UK National Parks. Please donate to this fantastic, life-saving charity to enable me to give something back for saving my sister. 

A little about the Devon Air Ambulance Trust: 

Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) owns 2 helicopters and operates 7 days a week; as of autumn 2016 DAAT will extend its flying hours until midnight. Responding to approximately 1,400 incidents every year DAAT conveys patients to the specialist treatment centre most appropriate for their needs, giving them the best chance of survival. The service costs £5.5 million every year and DAAT is proud to be independent of Government and National Lottery funding, relying solely on the generous donations of the people, businesses and communities of Devon.