In celebration of my 60th birthday I have agreed to challenge myself by participating in a moon walk on Saturday March 14th , involving a night-time journey of 13.5 miles taking around 5 hours. I'm probably the most unlikely person to be doing this but it will be easier than jumping from a plane!

UPDATE 4 Days to go - and im still booked in … one chiropodist visit with the magnificent Jeff Horn and two Sports physio sessions and numerous practice walks and i am expecting to be at the start on Saturday -Many thanks for your generous and motivating donations - if you havent got round to it - there is still time .

I will be joining friends, teachers, parents and past students of Gateways for a communal effort to raise vital funds for Gateways, the alternative education centre I chair.

There is an unprecedented crisis in young people's mental health in the UK.

1 in 5 young people with poor mental health drop out of school.

1 in 4 avoid school or college because they fear being judged.vvv

2 in 5 see their grades slip.

7 in 10 feel their confidence and self-esteem shattered.

1 in 2 stop seeing friends and socialising.

Every number is a young life held back.

Gateways delivers education to young people aged 14-25 who are unable to cope in mainstream schools due to poor mental health.

At Gateways, young people are seen and understood, given the space to re-engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and move forward with hope.

We believe everyone should have the same opportunity to progress, regardless of the challenges they face.

Your support can help these young people get the education they deserve.

If you fancy joining me on this challenge, the more the merrier, or you can join me on a training walk ( I need it ! ) or thank you for sponsoring me

Thank you , with love ruth x