Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

During the last 13 months I have come to learn that not all Heroes wear capes. Despite our age and stage of life differences, Harry and I have both been united in our endless list of Heroes during this pandemic from our amazing NHS (Porters, Cleaners, Catering, Admin, Physio staff, Nurses, Paramedics, Doctors, GPS and Consultants alike), our Police force and Fire-fighters, Shop workers, Transport and Delivery Staff, and for all the other amazing staff that have worked non stop behind the scenes to help keep our infrastructure going during these challenging times. We thank you all.

But during some of the darkest hours of the first lock down we were both gripped by the old man that stepped forward in a bid to raise money for the NHS, he wanted to try and complete 100 lengths of his back garden before his 100th Birthday, 100 lengths completed, thirty million plus donated and Tom Moore was knighted Sir Tom, but more than that he stole the hearts of the Nation. Earlier this year his family tried to discuss how he wanted to celebrate his 101 Birthday, Sir Tom didn't think celebrations were as important as continuing what he'd started and was planning his next charity fundraiser. Unfortunately he sadly passed away before he could do anything further, despite still grieving his family wanted to honour his wish to continue raising money and have created the 100 Challenge. Sir Tom made me realise that you are never to old to do anything, but also that Heroes are closer thank you think. Challenge accepted - what could I do and who could I do it for????

I work with a small but amazing team of individuals, all my colleagues have their own strengths but there is 1 lady that is always smiling, always laughing and so full of life and she's just infectious. Some call her loud and mad as a box of frogs, I would have to say that I agree with both but in the nicest possible way of course. Silke is a loving mother, wife and colleague and she will always do anything for anybody without asking for anything back. I'd always thought that she was special but having spent more time with her during these past few months I have learned just how special.....She met her husband Bill whilst he was serving in the Armed Forces where he spent many years before leaving and settling down with Silke. As their family grew with two beautiful daughter's life was good, unfortunately in 2006 Bill became unwell and they were given the news that Bill had MS.

In a attempt to understand more about the condition, both for Bill to know what he could expect and also for Silke to be able to understand what would be needed of her to help Bill, they found Mutual Support, which is one of the MS Society's National Support Groups and is run by volunteers with direct experiences of MS and the Armed Forces and provides services and activities based on what people affected by MS said they want. Determined not to let it beat him, but to also help other people affected by MS both Bill and Silke have spent the last 16 years raising funds and have attended many Mutual Support residential weekends. Silke assures me that they have both got so much out of these over the years and made many friends but I can only guess just how much support and comfort they have offered to fellow carers and suffers alike.

Covid has unfortunately prevented any fundraising for the last 13 months so it just seemed the perfect choice for me to complete my 100 challenge for, Harry said that he would like to complete it with me, 100 miles walk before his 18th Birthday (not quite a big milestone as Sir Tom Moore - but still special that he wants to do it and raise money for this charity). we are dividing the walk over the period of 7 days (because I am older, have some extra Covid weight and dodgy knees) - kicking off this Saturday 24th April. I will log details of each mile we complete, we will give a nod to the amazing Sir Tom Moore but will continue walking with both Bill and Silke as our inspiration.

I appreciate that times are tough for everyone right now, but this disease is so different for each person and affects all ages, it has no rule or reason and at this moment in time no cure, we cannot make it better or go away but if we can just raise funds to offer help or support to a sufferer and their family especially after they have/or are serving their country for us..........

Thank you so much from both myself and Harry.