It’s hard to believe (trust me, no one’s more surprised than me), but I hit the big 4-0 in January. How did this happen? In the blink of an eye, I’ve gone from youthful optimism to … well, creaky knees. So, to celebrate surviving this long—despite my motorbike habits—I’ve decided to embark on an adventure that’s both inspiring and punishing.

Throughout 2025, Oscar, Mark, and I will be marching (but mostly crawling) our way through the Lake District, aiming to ‘collect’ 40 Wainwrights. For those not in the know, some Wainwrights are gentle hills, others steep mountains, and many will make me question all my life choices.

This mission has a special meaning for me. Andre Zaluski, the founding member of Young At Heart ULO and a devoted mountaineer, introduced us to hiking back in 2012, when we climbed Skiddaw together for his 86th birthday, capping it off with birthday cake and a glass of Moët at the summit. (I peaked early with that level of summit sophistication!)

We had hoped to climb Skiddaw again this year in Andre’s memory, but we had to shelve that plan. So instead, I’m dedicating this challenge to him.

Next year, I’ll be a year older, allegedly a year wiser (debatable), and definitely a year more out of breath. But we’re committed to climbing all kinds of fells—Marilyns (150m), hills (under 600m), and even proper mountains (over 600m). Think of the views! Think of the triumph! Think of poor Oscar dragging me up the steep bits!

Here’s where you come in. Please donate, cheer us on, and keep us motivated! £1 a Wainwright would be wonderful—it spreads the cost, and frankly, it keeps me going. Think of it as an investment in my knees … and a good laugh at my expense.