Background

I love being out in nature and until recently I took this for granted. A year ago I was told I have an aggressive incurable breast cancer. I am determined to get out and enjoy nature for as long as possible. When I saw the Hiking For Nature challenge I had to take it on

The Challenge

1. The Walk

Andy (my husband) and I have walked some amazing walks together, across an open and scorching Hadrian’s Wall path in mid-summer, to clambering Jacob's ladder to experience the glorious views from Kinder Scout. We've climbed the highest peak in England (Scarfell Pike) and Wales (Snowdon), but neither of us have got to the top of Ben Nevis. Over recent months, walking has become more difficult. I now struggle to walk more than 10 minutes without pain. I'm hopeful that my current radiotherapy may help me, we realise this ascent is now unlikely. Instead, I plan to walk, or use a self-propelled wheelchair, and take on a virtual Ben Nevis trail.

The virtual ascent will follow the Glen Nevis Route to the top of the UK’s largest mountain which is a 10.5 mile round trip. We won’t have the views over the Scottish Highlands, but the route will cover beautiful Kentish countryside and we will document the wildlife we encounter along the way. My treatment dates may influence the day or days we complete our challenge so I’ll confirm exact dates soon.

2, The Abseil

To add a bit more peril, and some height, I've also booked to abseil the terrifying 100m from the top of the Spinnaker tower in Portsmouth on the 21st April. Eek! I am happy to say that friends Pete Harnett, Ollie Charles and Juliet Willsman will be braving the descent with me! It looks petrifying.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kWweaT67FY

The Cause

Bat Conservation Trust are a small but AMAZING charity who do so much (www.bats.org.uk). I hope you can give to such a great cause!

There have been huge historical declines in bat populations in the UK. While often misunderstood, these mammals offer insect control, are biodiversity indicators, in other parts of the world they pollinate and help with seed dispersal, helping to bring us things like tequila and chocolate. Bats may even have hold the secret to a long healthy life (https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2023/10/31/do-bats-get-cancer-does-flying-help-them-stay-healthy/) .

I'm happy to say that for some UK species the populations trends are stable or increasing, with no small thanks to legislation and wonderful work from bat workers and charities such as Bat Conservation Trust (BCT). BCT are a small charity working across the UK. They provide professional guidance (such as survey techniques and lighting guidelines), national population estimates, a free Helpline service and much more! Despite the good news, of the 18 resident species, the official Red List classes one as critically endangered, another endangered, two as vulnerable and a further two species as near threatened.

Please help me by giving to Bat Conservation Trust and helping these little stars of the night!

(Bechsteins bat. Photo taken at an Advanced Survey Techniques course 2023)