I have been a single mum for four years now. Four years of the mind-boggling privilege of seeing every inch of Lydia's glorious existence. I am aware just how lucky I have been to have that opportunity, to be able to be with her 24 hours a day and I hope that these foundations will lead to an indestructible bond when she's old and grown.
Flip the coin though, and along with the riotous joy and technicolour of her life, is the gnarly, ugly stuff. The exhaustion, the loneliness, the financial anxiety. I wouldn't dare to assume this is unique to single parents, but I am absolutely certain that at times, having someone else to turn to, to discuss with, to cry on would have made the darkest moments just that little bit lighter. 
I came across Gingerbread by accident and, oh, what a relief to find such a resource. Their website has led me to people, information and help where I'd come to a dead end. Just knowing that there are others in the same boat, and more than that, there are people in positions of power who recognise and celebrate them has been a tonic and a lifeline. 

So to my challenge... I wanted to contribute something to the Raise100 campaign, celebrating the centenary of Gingerbread and continue to raise awareness about the realities of single parenthood - from the surprisingly wonderful to the shockingly hard.
I decided to walk 100km, but I wanted the route to be significant, rather than a standard, well trodden path. Starting in York where I met Lydia's dad, and where I found out I was pregnant, walking 100km through the countryside to finish in Aysgarth where we lived, where my single parenting journey began and where Lydia has played, grown and blossomed. 
I'll have company along the way from all the people who have helped me to get to where I am today. I don't know where I would have been without the support of my family. At the very least it has given me the chance to enjoy motherhood, and relish all the quirky, fantastical, beautiful, fleeting moments of Lydia's childhood. 

The Plan

Setting off on August 21st from York Minster and walking the route in sections. 7 days over 3 weeks ending with two days walking back to back on September 15th and 16th, ending at Aysgarth Falls. 
I will be taking photos and writing blog posts along the way so keep an eye out for updates!

If you can donate anything at all, I would be hugely grateful. If you'd like to see what your money will help to do, please have a look at the Gingerbread website here --> https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/support-us/how-your-support-helps/

Thanks for reading, and wish me luck! x