I'm going to walk to dad's house. Doesn't sound like much of a challenge does it?? Well, I'll be walking at the end of October, when the days are shorter, colder and more likely to be wet and windy. I'll be walking with a heavy rucksack. containing all I'll need along the way. Dad's house is in Nayland on the Suffolk/Essex border - the distance is 50 miles (80k) and I'll be doing it over 3 days. Oh - and did I mention one of the things in my rucksack is my tent - I'll be camping out for the two nights. I'm also planning to do some litter picking along the way.

Tuesday 29th October is World Stroke Day, and in 2016 my lovely dad had a stroke. He was left unable to walk, talk, read or write - but thanks to some swift action and excellent hospital care he has almost fully recovered. He now has chronic fatigue, and loss of feeling on one side of his body - but considers himself lucky to be alive and we are lucky to have him. The more people learn about how to act when someone has a stroke, the more lives can be saved.

This is why I am raising funds for Stroke Association.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the courage and determination of the stroke community. With more donations and support from you, we can rebuild even more lives.