I cannot be impressed enough by the support given by the general public for all of us working in the NHS and other key workers.

Good wishes and gifts: delicious treats delivered to our wards. So much generosity.

But I and my colleagues are very aware that we have jobs secured, are able to pay the bills and put food on our tables. Not so for many others in the community who are struggling and suffering during this collective effort. More families than is acceptable (none is acceptable) are requiring support from food banks simply to put food on the table. And food banks are needing support and practical help now more than ever before.

Those who know me will be aware that I enjoy running around a bit to clear my head. And now that we  have been given the green light for unlimited exercise (coinciding with half term when my family will be staying at home), I wanted to take on a challenge to help raise funds for food banks.

The challenge: Starting Wednesday 27th May at 3pm, I shall run a 4.2 mile loop from my front door, on the hour, every hour, for 24 hours. If I can keep it up to 3pm Thursday 28th, I shall have run 100 miles. No guarantees. I'm pretty motivated to achieve this though.

So this is my version of the "Backyard Ultra" and I would be hugely grateful if you were to be able to make this worthwhile by either donating here or to your local food bank or helping out practically by donating food or time to deliver food parcels.

Thank you, I shall give it a good go and see how far I get. Fingers crossed the full 24 hours covering the 100miles.

Below are links to two local banks in Salford and Trafford if you would prefer to support locally

http://www.localgiving.org/donation/salfordfoodbank

http://www.localgving.org/charity/traffordsouthfoodbank

Last year, food banks in the Trussell Trusts network provided 1.6 million three-day emergency food parcels to people in crisis, with over 500,000 of these going to children. This was an increase of almost 20% on the previous year. Now, as the Coronavirus pandemic develops, its likely that increasing numbers of people will need support from their local food bank. As food bank staff and volunteers work to source and distribute food to people who need support, their resources are becoming increasingly stretched as they come under additional pressure.Were working closely with our network of over 1,200 food banks to work out how we can best support each food bank in the coming months to make sure that they're able to continue to help people in crisis in their local communities.