At 62 years young, I'm harnessing my ‘granny power’ to take on the biggest physical challenge of my life (except for, perhaps, childbirth)– running a 50K ultra marathon on hilly trails through Finland! Having never run more than a half marathon, this will push me to my limits - although it may be easier than the daily marathon of looking after young children. I’m doing this to raise much-needed funds for The Maple Tree in Wheatley.

The Maple Tree is a wonderful family centre in Wheatley which supports young children and their families by running play-based learning activities for under fives to promote early childhood development – much needed for children in the post-covid era - including messy play, rhyme time and Maple Chefs. It also provides a safe and welcoming space for weary parents and carers to have a cup of tea, find support and meet other local families.

When my daughter moved back from Australia with a young baby, not knowing many other young families, it helped her meet other parents and provided somewhere for her daughter to socialise. Once she went back to work, I began Granny duties and would spend a lot of time at The Maple Tree, along with many other grandparents!

The Maple Tree is a charity and needs to raise the whole of its running costs through fundraising activities. Your sponsorship will directly benefit the centre and the children and families it supports.

Any donation at all would be greatly appreciated - £1 is better than £0!