Three years ago, I began volunteering at Smile for Life Children's Charity: a Newcastle-based charity whose vision is to put a smile on the face of every disabled and disadvantaged youngster by empowering them so they achieve their potential to live a full and happy life.

I help to run a weekly social club where young people with a range of disabilities can be active, make friends and most importantly, have fun. Little did I know back then how important the young people, organisers and other volunteers would become to me.

Now, I am excited to share that I have been invited to join the charity's latest challenge: to canoe the Yukon River with another 8 adventurers. This incredible journey will take place in August 2026. We will navigate the rapids of this majestic river, covering over 420 km in just 10 days. The challenge is immense - to live in a wilderness where we will navigate this fast-flowing river, set up camp each night in the wild, forage for food to top up our rations and hopefully encounter (from afar!) bears, wolves, eagles and moose.

I invite you to join me on this journey by sponsoring my challenge. Every penny raised will go directly to Smile for Life Children's Charity as the trip itself is self-funded. My target is £2,000. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these remarkable young individuals who deserve every opportunity to thrive.