Number 8 was established as a pilot with Home-Start in August 2014 to support teenage mums and babies in Tamworth. Despite Tamworth having the highest rate of teenage parents in Europe, the highest rate of child protection in Staffordshire necessary to address neglect and very low levels of attainment at GCSE level, very little support was available.

Having secured a first property to house mums and babies, Number 8 opened a second home in Spring 2017. The charity now has the opportunity to buy the house to secure its long term future at a discounted price. To do so it is looking to raise £175,000.

HKA has set up a plan to provide support during the year. As an employee of HKA, I will be running the Old County Tops fell race on the 18th May 2019. This is a classic fell race ran covering 37 miles and 10,00ft starting and finishing in Langdale and covering Helvellyn, Scafell Pike and Old Man of Coniston (the traditional county tops of Westmorland, Cumberland and Lancashire). The race is ran in pairs and you must stay with your partner throughout.

I participated last year, and as a pair we achieved 6th place in a time of 8hrs 04mins, this year I am hoping to match or better this time. Your generosity in supporting this charity would be gratefully received.