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Access the Dales began with friendship, a shared love of the outdoors and a belief that the countryside should be for everyone.

My friendship with Debbie and Andy North began more than twelve years ago when we first headed out together to Gordale Scar in the Yorkshire Dales. Debbie was using an all-terrain wheelchair following life-changing spinal problems, but that certainly wasn't going to stop her getting out into the hills.

That first walk was the start of many adventures together.

Over the years, the three of us explored the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, climbed mountains, tackled some fairly questionable terrain and proved time and again that a wheelchair doesn't have to mean the end of adventure. There was plenty of mud, laughter and the occasional moment when we wondered whose bright idea it had been in the first place!

Andy was always there alongside Debbie. He was practical, determined and completely committed to finding a way through, over or around whatever obstacle the countryside threw at us.

In 2021, everything changed.

Andy was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and, just eight weeks later, he died.

Losing him was devastating. He wasn't just Debbie's husband; he was my friend and someone with whom I had shared so many memorable days in the hills.

But Andy left behind something very special.

His determination to help Debbie continue enjoying the countryside became part of the inspiration for Access the Dales, the charity Debbie founded in his memory.

Today, Access the Dales provides all-terrain wheelchairs free of charge from hubs across the countryside. The charity also organises inclusive walks, events and outdoor experiences for disabled people, families, children and community groups.

I've seen first-hand the difference this makes.

Something as simple as going for a walk together can be impossible when paths, gates, terrain and lack of suitable equipment get in the way. Access the Dales is helping to remove those barriers and giving people the opportunity to experience the freedom, fresh air and sheer joy of being outdoors.

Last year alone, more than 500 disabled children, young people and adults benefited from the charity's work.

So, on Sunday 13 September 2026, I'll be swapping my walking boots for running shoes and taking on the Great North Run.

I'm running the 13.1 miles in memory of Andy and to raise money for Access the Dales.

I know Andy would probably find the thought of me running all that way rather amusing! But I can't think of a better reason to do it.

Every donation will help Access the Dales maintain its all-terrain wheelchairs, support its growing network of hubs and provide more inclusive walks and outdoor experiences.

Most importantly, it will help more people experience something Debbie, Andy and I have always believed passionately:

The view is for everyone.

If you can spare a few pounds, please support me. Every donation, however big or small, will help continue Andy's legacy and give more disabled people the chance to enjoy the countryside.

I'll do the running. You can help me make every mile count.

Thank you.

Jonathan

Making the inaccessible accessible.