I will be walking the Parish walk on the Isle of Man in a couple of weeks. For those who haven’t grown up with this institution, it is an 85 mile walk around the island (if you do the whole thing!) which has to be completed within 24 hours... I know, it sounds mad/impossible/incredibly boring! You’re not even allowed to wear headphones, which is going to drive me nuts. But I have been doing more walking than anyone should ever have to do in preparation.

To get the disclaimer out there early (I am a lawyer after all!), my main aim is to complete 50 miles. Anything after that would be a bonus. Before anyone says “but if you can do 50, you might as well go the whole way”, 50 miles is nearly 2 marathons and how far have you walked lately?! It’s difficult to know how far these shorter than average legs will take me, but those who know me will know that I have a tendency to be a bit stubborn!

I’ve decided to use this as an opportunity to raise a bit of money for Cancer Research. When you talk to people about cancer, it’s hard to find someone whose family or friends have not been affected by this mammoth disease.

Cancer has made its unwelcome way into my family in a big way in the last year. My mum was diagnosed a year ago and is smashing her way through a pretty bleak diagnosis with seemingly unending (but typical) optimism and strength. She even intends to be in my support car for the walk (with tubby the tumour coming along for the ride, of course). I’m so grateful that she is still around to be my cheerleader in everything I do.

In an example of when it rains, it pours, my grandad was also diagnosed with his own advanced cancer a couple of months ago and sadly passed away this week. As the source of my stubborn nature, his memory will be at the forefront of my mind during the walk. 

I don’t like to talk about cancer in terms of “winning” or “losing” a battle, as this implies that the odds are evenly stacked in the first place. But increased research is meaning that more and more people have treatment options and are able to get more time with their loved ones. 

Thank you very much to everyone who donates. I will have you on my mind when I’m cursing my life choices after 10+ hours on the move! If you want to follow how I’m doing on the day, you can do so on the parish walk website (www.parishwalk.com). My race number is 911... No, I’m not joking!