I have severe osteoarthritis in both hips, getting out of bed is a challenge, let alone walking up the 199 steps at Whitby, but l managed it. I wanted to do something else before my operations and thought that walking up the path at the side of the steps would be a good idea. Called Donkey track and with a 1:1 gradient, it's not going to be easy and is actually something l've never done, peering over the side while walking down the steps, l've often thought, "what idiot is going to walk up there", well now, with knackered hips, l'm going to try.

Can l just say a big thanks to Sydney Sweeney for helping with the publicity, very kind of her to give up time while holidaying in Whitby.

There are more details on my site under "Sands" https://keithmulhearn.com

The charity I’ve chosen is called Sands. Sadly two years ago, I had a granddaughter, Margot, who was stillborn. Sands were a fantastic help to my son and partner and also to their other children, offering help, advice and support, for many months after, I asked Emily to write something about what they did for them, here are her words.

“My partner Conor and I, lost our little girl Margot on the 20th May 2024 at sixteen weeks and two days, after I fell very poorly with an infection in the womb. Sands were an amazing charity, assisting the whole family get though the most difficult time in our life’s. They sat us down and explained ways too tell our children about what had happened and gave us little bags too pass onto them that had thing’s to help, one of which was a worry monster, that proved to be very useful. Someone from Sands kept in touch for a long time after, making sure we were coping in the best way possible and really made us feel like we were not alone. They were an incredible help, I’ll be forever grateful”.

Emily Thorpe.