Sometime in May (date not published for my safety), I'll be running the 11 edges in the Peak District. You may have heard of the 9 edge challenge but this is a route I have planned, which will be my first ultra marathon. Starting at Ladybower, I'll run over 11 of the gritstone edges: Derwent, Bamford, Stanage, Burbage North and South, White, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardoms and Birchen. Just short of 28 miles and over 3000ft of climbing and I'll be doing this mostly on my own.

Why would I do this?! Well 13 years ago on the 25th May, 2009, I received the devastating news that my dad had took his own life. My dad was an amazing man who loved the outdoors and he passed that passion onto me. A week before his death, we hiked along The Great Ridge and made plans to climb at Burbage Edge but that was never to be. I spent my childhood on those edges and watched my dad in his element on the gritstone. 

It's mental health awareness month but I've chosen not to raise money for a mental health charity this time, but to support the Edale MRT, who in 2020 had record call outs and continue to work so hard rescuing people in need. Covid has had a huge impact on our mental health and more so than ever, people are finding peace in the outdoors. But accidents can happen and people get lost and injured on the hills so the Mountain Rescue Teams need out support as a voluntary service to continue with their amazing work. 

Instead of asking for flowers at my dad's funeral, we asked for donations to EMRT so I'd like to do the same this year. We hope we'll never need to call them, but let's show our support for all they do because one day, it might be us that needs their help. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.