Going out, having fun, and socialising is something we all take for granted. We may not do it all the time, but when we feel like it, we are free to do whatever we want. For many people with learning disabilities this is not the case. Lots of people with learning disabilities are sitting at home, watching telly because there is nobody to support them to go out. And when they do go out, they will often have to come home early. How would you like it if someone told you you had to go home and miss your favourite band or DJ, or stop your conversation with your friend you haven't seen in ages, because it was time to go home? Stay Up Late are fighting for the rights of people with learning disabilities to have active social lives. They have started up an amazing new project which is so simple, and so effective. Gig Buddies pairs people with learning disabilities with particular music tastes or night-life interests with volunteer buddies with the same interests so that they can go out and enjoy a gig or night out together with no curfews, and no clock-watching staff.

You may know I have fundraised for Stay Up Late before. They are a charity that are extremely close to my heart. Not only were they the catalyst for me to decide to become a learning disability nurse, but also they have come such a long way, gaining more and more well-deserved support, and continuing to do amazing work. Gig Buddies, I believe, should be a scheme that exists in every town, and every city across the country,  supporting people with learning disabilities to become more included in the pubbing, gigging and clubbing we all so readily enjoy. Stay Up Late are plannning to recruit more Gig Buddies, and spread their scheme further and wider than their East Sussex home, but they can't do this without the funds.

So, having done a few half marathons, a couple of long cycles, and got my swimming badges :) I thought it'd be a good idea to see if I could do them ALL ONE AFTER THE OTHER. So, along with my good pals Rosie and Tom, I will be plunging myself in to a dark cold lake (in October!) to swim 750m, then stripping off the wetsuit and jumping on the bike to cycle 20km, then putting on the running shoes to plod a painful 5km to the finish line to raise some quids.

So dig deep folks. Thanks so very much!

Wish me luck!

Lucy xxx