What did JFK and Jane Austen have in common? They both had Addison’s disease, a rare condition where the body doesn’t produce the necessary hormones to keep itself running normally on a daily basis. My niece Pippa also has it. Think diabetes, only 300 times rarer. Because it’s so rare, people with Addison’s have to deal both with the condition and also a general lack of awareness, even amongst medical professionals. They have to take daily steroid medication, manage additional health complications and deal with life-threatening episodes known as adrenal crises.

I’m raising money for ADSHG, the charity that does amazing work to support and improve the lives of people with Addison’s, like my niece Pippa, who also works for ADSHG.

The South West Coast Path, which runs from Minehead in Somerset around the coasts of Devon and Cornwall to Poole harbour in Dorset, is Britain’s longest national trail. I will be walking it in one go in May-June 2023, roughly 56 days of walking come rain or shine to cover the 630 miles, with a total ascent equivalent to 4 Everests! So that’s an average of over 11 miles and 2,000 feet per day for the best part of 2 months.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.