The last 12 months have shown us how cruel life can be and how quickly the things we take for granted on a daily basis can be snatched away from us. Without warning or illness my dad, Pete, passed away at just 67 years of age on 27^th December 2020.

My dad dedicated around 36 years of his life on the front line for the Derbyshire Ambulance Service. He worked long shifts and missed Christmases and family events to put his life on the line every day, helping others whilst doing the job he loved. I cannot begin to imagine the things my dad saw and dealt with, things none of us would ever want to see or even imagine. This made him all the more special to us, we are proud of the number of lives he has saved as well as the new lives he bought into the world. He was our HERO.

In memory of my dad, I’m aiming to walk, run and maybe even cycle the distance of Land's End to John o’ Groats (874 miles) in a year, starting on 9^th January 2021 (depending on COVID-19 restrictions this may take longer, but I will do it!). I will be walking locally to make up my miles and will track this and share my progress as I go. I’m calling it ‘My Walk for Dad’.

The last year took away so much time I could have spent with my Dad. A year of no hugs, no cups of coffee together, no birthdays or holidays, just doorstep visit, texts and video calls. I will walk with pride and remember the happy times with my dad, my hero.

I will be raising money for The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) who work to support current and retired Ambulance Services personnel and their families, regardless of role, to enhance their mental, physical and financial well-being during times of need. Their services include counselling, support with trauma and PTSD, physiotherapy, debt advice, financial grants and bereavement support. I feel this is so important now more than ever with the added pressures, concerns and worries bought on by COVID-19. Dad would be proud I’ve chosen this charity and I am hopeful that any money I raise will help support TASC.