To celebrate turning 60, I have decided to step out of my comfort zone (running the Brighton Marathon!) and take on 6 new challenges, all themed around the number 60. My goal is twofold: first, to raise £6,000 for Autistica, and second, to inspire women everywhere to embrace an active and adventurous lifestyle at any age.

Having two children who were late-diagnosed with autism has influenced my choice of charity. Autistica is the UK’s national autism research charity dedicated to ensuring that autistic individuals can lead long, happy, and healthy lives. They achieve this by funding vital research, shaping policy, and collaborating with autistic people to better understand their needs.

Many of these research areas resonate deeply with our family's experiences of how autism became apparent - from eating disorders and chronic anxiety to self-harm, depression, and multiple suicide attempts. With continued research and resultant policy modification, hopefully, fewer families and individuals will have to deal with these devastating difficulties.

Although a diagnosis can bring clarity and relief - to help explain earlier struggles - it is only a part of the journey. One of the key pain-points for people with late-diagnosed autism is a lack of post-diagnosis support. Autistica helps in this area too, with the provision of tools such as the Molehill Mountain app and the Autistica Tips Hub. These resources offer guidance and support to help people navigate life after diagnosis with understanding, reassurance and practical help.

Here's what I plan to do to raise money for Autistica:

1. 60 km run. May 10th. As a submission to metric measurement and on the back of my training for the Brighton Marathon, I plan to take part in the Brighton Backyard Ultra with the aim of completing 60km (9 loops). I have never done a back yard ultra before and I have never run 60km before, so let's see how this goes! (If I don’t make it, there are more of these events during the year, or a 60km normal ultra).

2. 60 mile off-road bike ride. July 5th. I love off-road cycling but have only really done the 13km single mtb track at Bedgebury, and not very recently, so the South Downs century (100km) will be a real challenge.

3. 60 mile canoe expedition across Scotland. August. I have never really canoed far at all, so this will be something completely novel.

4. 60 lengths of Pells Pool. September. Cold water & Swimming. Some people’s idea of bliss, not mine!

5. 60 mile backpacking/camping walk. Early October. In my earlier years I used to love backpacking long distance paths and recently re-ignited this passion with a walk around the Isle of Wight. But it is hard work! St Cuthbert's Way in the South of Scotland/Northumberland is 63 miles long and where I will do this.

6. 60 miles indoor rowing. November/December. Since I didn't canoe 60 miles when I had hoped to I will do this over 5 days - 20k a day, but in a lot less time than the outdoor effort.

I invite you to join me on this journey through sponsorship, sharing my page and following updates. Your support will not only help fund essential research but also empower countless individuals and families affected by autism. Together, we can make a difference! Thank you x