Six months into my health and fitness journey, I’m ready to take things up a notch. I’ll be joining a group walking marathon and pushing myself to hit 10 miles—my biggest goal yet—all while supporting a fantastic local charity that helps so many people in our community.

Swale in Kent is a place where many struggle daily. It has some of the highest levels of child, fuel, and financial poverty in the county. Since 2015, parts of Swale have consistently ranked in the top 10% nationally for poverty. This situation has only worsened with the ongoing cost of living crisis and global conflicts impacting families deeply.

Approximately 10% of Swale’s population—over 1,500 people—live with fuel poverty. Among them are more than 29,000 residents aged over 65, many living in rural areas where mobility and transport challenges add to their difficulties. Rising costs for essentials like rent or mortgages, food, gas, electricity, petrol, council tax, childcare, and weekly necessities leave little breathing room for household budgets. The stress on mental health for those trying to make ends meet is immense.

Your support can make a real difference. By donating towards my target of £100, you will help provide vital assistance and hope through the Swale Community Care Project to those who need it most in our community. Together we can bring relief and show that no one has to face these challenges alone.