2026 is the year I've unwillingly and undeservedly crashed into an age considered to be a significant MILESTONE. I'm in complete denial and don't want anything to highlight the fact I'm now old. Instead I've signed up for a Charity Challenge later in the year involving a lot of MILES and a lot of STONES. I need all the training support I can get - and any spare pennies to meet my sponsorship target.

The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure on the planet so obviously I won't be trekking the whole thing. The sections I’ll be tackling are away from the main tourist areas, and will take in Gubeikou, Jinshaling and Simatai. The trek will take place in October 2026. I'm told the terrain ranges from the original structure which has crumbled away over the centuries only leaving the foundations intact, to sections which have been completely restored over time. On one day I could be climbing up hundreds of smooth, paved, steep steps built up the hillside; on another it could be sections where the earth and stone rubble shifts underfoot like scree, making it challenging to negotiate.

I've decided to cover all the costs of travel, admin and accommodation myself and have also committed myself over the next few months to train on plenty of steps and hills! BUT I need to raise a minimum sponsorship amount for my chosen charity - St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice.

St Luke's Hospice is a wonderfully precious resource in Winsford, Cheshire. They provide specialist, palliative care and support to local people, free of charge, supporting them in ways which go beyond the scope and funding of the NHS. St Luke's Hospice's support begins from the moment someone is diagnosed, through to palliative care and ultimately end of life care. The dedicated staff and volunteers help families and carers with the pressures and strains of illness, through to coping with bereavement and moving forward. This is only made possible due to generous donations which make up over 80% of the Hospice's running costs.

Anything you can spare towards my fundraising will be very gratefully received. And regular nudges of encouragement to get me out training will be equally valuable!