UPDATE: I am averaging 2 miles a day so am raising the stakes - plan is to do 80 miles in 40 days now! I have also raised my target so please give generously

In 2026 Rainbow Trust celebrates 40 years of vital social palliative care support for families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

We are challengine people to do 40 miles in 40 days in whatever way they choose - run, walk, swim, dance, cycle etc.

I used to run a little (5km once or twice a week) but have not done so for over five years and I am now closer to 60yrs old than 55yrs old!

I am therefore starting slowly and doing my 40 miles in 40 days as a combination of walking and a little jogging.

I have started today (8 May) and jogged 1.5 miles this morning (downhill) and walked 1.5 miles this evening (uphill).

If 40 people gave me £40 I would smash my target and those funds would allow us to support a family for over nine months of the year.

When a child has a serious illness, family life is turned upside down and time becomes more precious than ever. Rainbow Trust pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who enables them to make the most of time together, giving them practical and emotional support, for as long as is needed. Rainbow Trust supports the whole family including parents, carers, the unwell child, brothers, sisters and grandparents.