I joined Carers in Bedfordshire (CIB) in October 2014 as its CEO. Every day since that first day has been special. Of course there have been highs and not-so-highs, just like any job, but every day I see or hear (or both!) the difference the charity makes to someone's life. 

Every day, the staff at CIB are listening to carers' frustrations .... helping them learn about dementia, autism, depression and more, so whatever age they are (from 4 to 94) the carers can care for their loved one with confidence ....  and the carers can have a chance to try something new, just for them, like art, or canoeing...... and so much else as well. 

I've got the best job in the world.  But maybe because I love my job so much, I'm not very good at maintaining a healthy work-life balance. At the end of a busy day, I'd usually much rather flop in front of Masterchef than go for a run! 

When I was asked what I was going to choose for CIB's oh-so-clever Choose your Challenge campaign, I knew it had to be something that would encourage me to stick to a regular fitness routine. And for me that means variety! In December 2017 I pledged to do either a bike ride, or a swim, or a run (with extras) - this would mean my training would need to involve a bit of everything. Which should mean I would stick to it...

Thank you everyone who voted for one of the challenges - the Water Wipeout won by a significant majority, so on 7th July I'll be off to Nottinghamshire to do a muddy and wet run and assault course, involving tightropes, tunnels, walls, nets, balance beams and all sorts of other scary things! I'll need to be fit, and strong, so need to keep training. 

Please support the amazing Carers in Bedfordshire and help me be healthier by sponsoring me for this challenge. 

And if you'd like to join me -- or choose your own challenge -- I know that CIB would be delighted.  You can sign up at http://carersinbeds.org.uk/challenge and get going!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.