For three consecutive years I've attempted to run / walk / crawl 100 miles along the Ridgeway National Trail using the Ridgeway 86 footrace largely as an infrastructure provider. I failed all three times, from exhaustion, from injury, and from being timed out half way (in that order!)

Last year I realised the pace of the race was actually ruining the experience I was after(!) so I've been planning to go back on my own and have another go, never too sure if I actually possess enough mental grit and fortitude to get it done.

But those closest to me know that circumstances over the past few months have put that question well and truly to bed so I've been gearing up to attempt the challenge on my own terms, starting this Easter Sunday. I haven't been training as much physically as I normally would, but my head game has been through the wringer!

Thanks to the amazing HCPT Group 26, my Rukai has been gifted a place on this year's Easter Lourdes pilgrimage, and as a result I have been gifted a beautiful chance to achieve that dream at last. I've booked myself a spot for a 'checkpoint' halfway along the trail and plan to fastpack end to end, then return back to the middle for a rough total of 128 miles.

I've got a window of 6 days to do it and don't expect it to take that long, but because this is a 'choose your own adventure' I shall! It will be fluid and spontaneous and calm. Three things I don't really have much of in my world, with a disabled son who likes his routine that involves daily ping pong playing and plenty of slapstick!

But I tell you what - the most amazing gift is the gift of TIME.

That's why I want to give back to this beautiful group of HCPT angels on earth, who take the time out of their own busy lives every year to bring special children on a special adventure while providing the elusive 'dodo' of momentary freedom to parents like me, removing the pressures of the every day and giving me wings to fly for one beautiful moment in time.

You'll be able to follow along here - when I get the actual tracker you'll see my name and actual whereabouts, but I've now set up the route and key points I want to record: https://track.trail.live/event/fastpacking-the-ridgeway

I will also update as I go on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxine.sindanapal and will certainly be commenting on the Group 26 page as I follow along my Rukai's adventure: https://www.facebook.com/HcptGroup26

Please give what you can. These folks really deserve every penny - you best believe it.