This June, I’ll be taking on the Saltire 24 solo.

Which sounds quite impressive until I admit that my strategy mainly involves stubbornness, fancy dress, snacks, and questionable decision-making at 3am.

Saltire 24 is a 24-hour endurance event in Royal Deeside where participants complete as many laps as they can of a beautiful (and increasingly hilly) trail through forests and countryside. Most sensible people sleep at night. We run round Kerloch Hill instead.

This will actually be my fifth year taking part, but always as part of a team. This year is different. This year I’m going solo.

Now, to be clear, I am not suddenly transforming into an elite athlete. I am still very much there for fun times, not fast times. There will be costumes involved. There may also be moments where I deeply question my life choices somewhere around lap two! 😉

But underneath all of that, there’s a serious reason for doing this.

I’m raising money for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity. My husband (the wonderful Andy who will also be my support crew at the event) works there, and through him I’ve learned so much more about the reality many children and families face, and the incredible work Children First does every single day to support them.

Children First helps protect children from harm, supports families through crisis, and helps young people recover from trauma and abuse. They provide emotional, practical, and financial support to children and families across Scotland. Giving many of them hope, safety, and a brighter future.

And honestly? I really do believe the children are the future.

So while I’ll be spending 24 hours battling sore feet, tired legs, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming temptation to sit in a camping chair and refuse to move… I’d love it if some good could come from it too.

If you can spare a few pounds, thank you. Every donation genuinely means a lot.

And if you can’t donate right now, cheering me on, sharing the page, or laughing at my inevitable ridiculous outfit choices is also very much appreciated.