Every year, I use a week of my holiday to leave my "normal life" & volunteer for the Newman Holiday Trust, which provides week-long residential holidays for children with special needs.

As well as giving the kids an amazing adventure, it's often the only opportunity their parents may get to take much-needed rest from what can be really challenging family situations.

30 or so adults give their time to care for about 22 kids, and as a carer, you have a child to look after 24/7 for the full week. These children have a range of challenges but all of them are entirely dependent on adults for their safety and welfare.

We do a range of activities - arts & crafts, sports, talent shows, the fire brigade turns up with a fire engine, we swim, we have a bouncy castle, we go to an animal park & a theme park, we sing, we dance, we eat together and we play games constantly - one of which involves cold baked beans, custard, shaving foam and wotsits. Best not to ask.....

It's totally outside my comfort zone but it's honestly my favourite week of the year.

Now, I know I'm not climbing a mountain or running a marathon or sky diving out of a plane, but it does cost about £1000 to fund a place for a child each year and I do try and raise some money each year.

I have seen the Newman Holiday Trust be transformative for everyone involved - the kids, the parents and the helpers themselves.

Anything you could contribute would be greatly appreciated by the children and the Trust, which is completely reliant on donations - there are no paid staff, everyone gives their time for free, so all money goes towards creating a magical week for some very magical children.

Thanks in advance, and if you'd like to know any more information about the Newman Holiday Trust, please do ask - it's one of my favourite subjects!