As a family we are taking part in this challenge during Coronavirus lockdown because the boys (aged 13 and 9) want to help wildlife and know that charities need support to face the health, ecological and climate crises. We also like a good challenge!

The boys are putting together their thoughts on what we can do as a family, so far they have planned:

- a weekend 26 minute performance of Harry Potter (all books)
- a family fell run, each running up the stairs 26 times
- a performance of 26 animal songs medley completed on Sunday 26th April
- walking 26 miles in a week, progress below.

This is very much coming from the boys and their ideas. It would be great if people could sponsor them to encourage them, ten or twenty pence a mile/song/or stair climb for instance. 

We'll share their progress over the next week and be adding to their list of challenges.

First up - 12noon, Sunday 26th April - coming to you live on Facebook will be Rich accompanied by the boys playing 'Menagerie Medley' a singalong to 26 animal themed songs. Whether you like Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin or Adam Ant there will be something there for you, maybe even with a bit of 90s grunge. If you enjoy the performance perhaps you could make a donation?

You can watch the performance here:
https://www.facebook.com/richaquilastokes/videos/10223685503389369/UzpfSTcxODc4MDM0OToxMDE1ODI0Mzk3NDM3NTM1MA/

Next Sunday (3rd May) we will bring to you all the Harry Potter stories in 26 minutes. Can't be done you say? Well join us and find out.

Theo and I have set ourselves a target of walking 26 miles in a week, we started on Wednesday and have already done 15 miles.

Wednesday - 3.13
Thursday - 2.98
Friday - 4.19
Saturday - 2.94
Sunday - 2.54
Monday - 3.93
Tuesday - 6.53

Total - 26.24 miles

We did it - 26 miles in a week. Not bad for a grumpy teenager who is happeist in his room!

Over half of UK species have declined since 1970, while more than one in ten are under threat and at risk of disappearing altogether. This is why I am raising funds for the Somerset Wildlife Trust who are working hard to change this. By sponsoring me, you'll help the Trust build on their huge conservation success stories in Somerset.