This year, me and Mark Reilly are taking on the Kiltwalk to raise money for STAND – a charity that means the world to us, both professionally and personally.

I’ll be dragging myself (literally!) around the Big Stroll, while Mark’s taking on the Mighty Stride, and let’s be honest, for two people who usually drive everywhere, it's going to hurt.

But no matter how sore our feet get, it doesn’t even come close to the daily challenges our amazing boy Brayden faces. Most of you will know that Brayden is autistic, and while we love him more than words can say, it’s brutal at times. Heartbreaking when he can’t tell us what’s wrong. Exhausting when everyday things become battles. Overwhelming when the world feels too loud, too bright, too fast for him.

That’s why we’re walking for STAND.

STAND isn’t just a charity I work for, I’m proud to be one of its co-founders. It was born from lived experience, inspired in part by Brayden and our journey as a family. I also volunteer for STAND, attend its workshops and events as a parent, and have leaned on its support more times than I can count. Without it, I honestly don’t know where we’d be.

This walk is personal. It’s about giving back to the organisation that held us up when we felt like we were drowning. And it’s about making sure other families like ours have somewhere safe to turn.

If you can, please donate – even a couple of pounds makes a difference. Help us support a charity that truly changes lives. 💙

Every step we take is for Brayden, and for every child who deserves to feel safe, accepted, and understood.