Thames Valley Adventure Playground is a brilliant cause and one I hold very fond memories of. My brother Patrick was born with Cerebral Palsy which of course seems incredibly normal to myself but there were challenges when trying to find safe activities Patrick could partake in when he was younger. 

From a child to teenager Patrick would frequent TVAP on the odd weekend and more so in the school holidays, it provided him a safe space with adapted play ground equipment, sensory gardens & sensory rooms that assisted with his development, motor skills and wellbeing. 

Patrick certainly enjoyed his times at the centre however that is not the only benefit of an establishment such as TVAP, they provide much needed support and respite care to allow families and carers to take a break. For me it was invaluable as a child as it allowed my mother to take me out for the day safe in the knowledge that Patrick would be enjoying himself and we could do something that would be challenging with him there, it could be as simple as a bike ride. 

To try support Thames Valley Adventure Playground hit their target of £4,000 in funding for their 40th year in operation I'll be attempting to trek The Peaks of the Balkans Trail, otherwise known as the Accursed Mountains. This 200km (124 miles) will take me through Montenegro, Albania & Kosovo before ending back in Montenegro. I'll be attempting to do this over 8 days, with ascending sections that will mean I'll have done the equivalent of basecamp to summit of Everest twice over. Finally this will completed solo without any support, just to make it a bit harder for myself! Fingers crossed I don't get lost..... 

Any donations would be highly appreciated, it's a truly fantastic charity!

Nic