Thanks for stopping by and reading my page

For those of you that know me well, what I am about to say will sound absolutely bonkers!!! For those of you who don't, let me tell you a bit about myself....

As many of you know, I have suffered from ME, CFS, depression and anxiety for almost 20 years now with the recent new addition of agoraphobia. So going out has been very difficult both because of my disabilities and now agoraphobia. I am on a mission to change my life and have radically changed my diet which is already showing results so now it is time for me to get out and start exercising

So what better way to start than by walking for Womens Refuge?!!! I will be attempting to walk 2 miles a day for the entire 31 days of September!!!! At the moment I find it hard to actually leave the house at all and when I do I always end up tired and in pain.

Some of you know that I have been involved with Newark Women's Aid for many years and so this seemed like a brilliant way to get started on my journey. 18 years ago I met a lady called Kathryn and her 2 kids that were staying at the Refuge in Newark after fleeing from abuse. For the last 18 years she has been my best friend and her and her 2 kids who are now in the 20s have been part of my family. Since then I have been involved with the Refuge in Newark in various ways

Sadly The Refuge still has to rely on the generosity of the local community to assist with supporting the women and children that seek sanctuary there. Newark Women's Aid is a small, friendly, independent, local charity providing specialist services to support women with or without children who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member. Our aim is to support, inform and empower women to enable them to rebuild their lives and make informed decisions to determine their future and establish and maintain their independence.

To celebrate Kathryns 18th year since fleeing from abuse and starting a new life for her and her children, we both decided to do a challenge!!! Well, she decided and talked me into doing something too!!! She is doing 18 hikes as her challenge (first is 34 miles!!) So I couldn't really say no to doing my bit and walking 2 miles a day for 31 days (well I could have said no but would have been nagged by everyone I have spoken to about it!!!)

So...... on the 1st of September I will be starting my challenge - probably in smaller chunks to start with 2 or 3 times a day and building up to my full 2 miles.

I would be so grateful if you could make a financial donation (no matter how small) share my JustGiving page or join me in a walk for a bit of cheerleading!!!!

Thanks all xxxx