This time last year, myself and 25 colleagues from Ravenscliffe High School slept out at the Piece Hall in Halifax to raise vital funds for SmartMove, THE local charity for people who are homeless in our area of Yorkshire. We were all keen to ‘go again’ this weekend. Sadly, Covid 19 has put paid to that for 2020, but the charity have still challenged their supporters to ‘sleep out anywhere’ for a night this weekend. Inspired to do just that I wanted to challenge myself by making it just a bit more interesting!🤪 So I’ve got a bit creative! This Friday AND Saturday nights I’ll be 'sleeping out’ for SmartMove as I wild camp my way across North and West Yorkshire. Coincidentally, Nicky and I are second viewing a property in Settle, North Yorkshire on Friday. Afterwards, I’ll put on my boots, pack my blister plasters and strap on my rucksack and start my trek along the Ribble, Pennine and Calderdale Ways to home in Greetland, Halifax. At around 40-50 miles, I should get home sometime on Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. I’m walking solo, deliberately and for 3 main reasons: Firstly, just to appreciate the fact that I’m privileged: I have a family who I love to bits and a home to be proud of. We all need to count our blessings. I plan to! Secondly, to take a bit of time out to reflect on what a momentous year 2020 has been already with more 'news’ to come…Covid, Retirement, the full and final ‘All Clear’ for Jake on Monday from the neurosurgeons at Leeds General Infirmary. 🎉 Thirdly, for those of you who know me well, you will vouch for the fact that I really like to talk! I love a chat and to find out a little more about other people’s story! So, on Friday, Saturday (and Sunday if I’m slow) I’ll be walking with a sense of gratitude, a bit of self-reflection and a repeated desire to do my bit to help those who need it most in these tougher times. If I can raise £100 or more for SmartMove then brilliant. Perhaps you could spare a tenner (or more 😂) to support me!
