As many of you know I am retiring soon, so what better time to ask you for money, especially as you won't be getting it back!

The man that can barely walk past a pub has, somewhat recklessly, signed up to the Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Bay in North Yorkshire. The walk is 195 miles and is of course time dependent on how many pubs I do or do not pass, but I am aiming to complete the walk in about two weeks.

Initially I was doing this for myself, but some things, believe it or not are bigger than me. A dear and long-time colleague of mine Louise has recently had some devastating news about her daughter Scarlett’s health which has changed their family’s world. 

Their story is not mine to tell; so please see the Scarlett's Supporters Team page for Scarlett's Story. 

Due to the rarity of Scarlett’s condition, there is currently very limited research taking place, so I am fundraising on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital to help fund efforts into finding a treatment or cure so that one day Louise and her Husband Dave can say that no other parent will need to go through this.

I have no idea if I will be able to complete this challenge, but if I am going to do it then it needs to be for a bloody good reason and I can't think of one better, or that will make me more proud to say that I put my hand up when it was needed.

So please, put your hands in your pockets and donate and please share this message, as you won't realise it, but you will have made a huge difference too.