The John Muir trust is one of the most important environmental interest groups we have in Britain, especially to those concerned for the conservation and enjoyment of our magnificent upland wild landscapes. The John Muir Trust is a powerful ambassador for the communities and natural environment of these special places, campaigning for their protection and lobbying for sustainable development. As a landowner within some of our most iconic upland landscapes the John Muir Trust has developed an international reputation for its ability to apply innovative and sensitive upland environmental management practices and effective community engagement.

The John Muir Trust also operates the John Muir Award, a fantastic initiative focused on young people, helping them to connect with each other and with their natural environment. A great variety of projects are undertaken in connection with the John Muir Award throughout the United Kingdom, having helped to improve the self esteem and environmental engagement of over 100 000 young people to date. A substantial number of John Muir Awards have been achieved by young people in urban areas, and within areas of social disadvantage. For many young people, completion of their John Muir Award has been a life-changing experience.

To help raise awareness of the John Muir Trust and its work, and to raise sponsorship donations I am planning a journey during spring 2016 through the Outer Hebrides – a remote chain of islands off Scotland’s north west coast. I first visited the Island of Lewis when I was 14, and found an ancient landscape of extraordinary beauty. I have returned to explore the various islands of the Outer Hebrides many times since that first trip, and remain deeply captivated by their enigmatic landscapes.

I plan to undertake an unsupported, continuous run through the wild landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, from Barra in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north, aiming to link the highest places on each island. I will carry all of the food and equipment I will need for this run, wildcamping so that I can explore and photograph the most remote places that these islands at the edge of Europe have to offer. This trip will involve about 150 miles of wild running through some extremely rugged landscapes and is likely to take me about a week to complete.

It would be fantastic if you could support my trip and my enthusiasm for the work of the John Muir Trust with a sponsorship donation. Your contributions will help the John Muir Trust to continue their conservation and development work and to ensure that young people continue to benefit from participation in John Muir Award project.

Many, many thanks,

David xx