I've enjoyed long-distance walking for about twenty years now, but just got into night hiking this year, beginning with a walk across Mull (36 miles) in February. It's fun to take on new challenges, so I decided I'd like to take a walk through the longest night of the year, from just before sunset on Friday 19th December through to just after sunrise on Saturday 20th December. It will be around 17 hours and up to 50 miles or so (depending on how often I get lost on the way).

You'll be able to follow my preparations and my progress on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilgrimscairn/

I'm very aware, both through personal and professional experience, that sometimes life can feel like a walk through a long night for people, and tragically there are times when that night just feels too dark and too endless, just too much. I want to walk through this longest night to express the hope that there can be a way through, there is always the promise of morning and a new beginning.

The work that Hector's House does to support people making their own tough journeys is something I passionately believe in and it's a privilege to be able to walk on behalf of this charity.