On Saturday 20th June, I’ll be taking on the North Yorks Ultra Challenge — walking 50km from Scarborough to Whitby, with around 1,260m of climb along the beautiful but tough North Yorkshire coast.

I’m doing it to raise money for Age UK Oldham, a charity that has become very close to my heart. They provide vital support for older people and their families across Oldham, including dementia support, day care, information and advice, home support, carers’ support, social activities, meal delivery, and help for people to stay independent at home.

Mum has dementia and has been going to Bluebells Day Care Centre for the past year. Bluebells gives Mum routine, companionship, stimulation and a much-needed change of scene. It is somewhere safe, caring and welcoming, and knowing she is happy there means the world to us.

Although Mum is now in permanent care, we made the decision to continue to privately fund her place at Bluebells. She has made friends with other users and genuinely enjoys going. It gives her something familiar and positive to look forward to, and it continues to make such a difference to her wellbeing.

Taking on 50km will be a real challenge, but every step will be for Mum, for Bluebells, and for the older people and families who rely on Age UK Oldham’s services.

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean so much. Thank you for supporting me and this wonderful charity