On 1st July, I’ll be lacing up my boots 🥾 and climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours – the iconic National Three Peaks Challenge – to raise £500 for Gingerbread, a brilliant charity supporting single parents.

I became a single parent when my daughter was just 4. Living away from my family and support network, my world was flipped upside down. I faced it all: financial worry, emotional strain, loneliness, and a constant knot in my stomach wondering how I was going to hold it all together and give her the childhood she deserved.

My motto became “I can handle it” – but the truth is, I often felt like I couldn’t.

I didn’t know where to turn for advice or even a listening ear. I carried guilt for having to work, and shame when I couldn’t say yes to days out or little treats. And although I did my best — it often felt like I was carrying it all alone.

I didn’t know about Gingerbread back then. But I wish I had.

Gingerbread is a lifeline. They offer support, advice and community for single parents — helping them feel seen, heard, and less alone. With practical help and emotional support, they reduce stress, build confidence, and offer hope.

Self-worth is often the first thing to suffer when you're raising a child solo. Gingerbread helps rebuild that.

I’m doing this challenge not just to raise money, but to raise awareness.

To stand for every single parent who’s ever felt like they weren’t enough, and to shine a light on the support that is out there.

And I’m doing it to celebrate my mum and my auntie, who were both single parents when I was young, and who are the strongest women I know.

So whether you’ve been a single parent, know one, or just want to show your support — please donate whatever you can.

Every pound helps Gingerbread reach more parents who need them.

And every step I take on those mountains will be powered by your support 💛

Thank you

Jo x