100 kilometres. That’s 62.1371 miles, roughly 132,000 steps (plus a few extra if you're only 5 1" with little legs), or in other words, rather a long way away. Especially for your average city lass to walk, through the very early morn, across the busy bustling day, and during the actually quite chilly night before coming full circle to the next very early morn again (we’re talking a good 18-20 hours on the move here at least, that’s almost the equivalent of 2 entire seasons of Game of Thrones back to back!). So, I think it's fair to say it's a commitment of sorts. Now I know I have a bit of a reputation for signing up to somewhat unusual challenges – involving covering marathon distances in tassels, sequins, copious mud, blisters, bags of jelly babies and in one memorable case getting very very stuck in a cesspit bog – each and every one of which having been for a grand cause. The support I have received in the past has been overwhelming, and I am forever grateful for each and every donation along the way. But this next challenge is, well…that bit *extra* special for me really, because I'm doing it for my little sister.

In her early teens Mealie was diagnosed with Syringomyelia and Chiari Malformation, incredibly rare conditions which affect the brain, spine and nervous system. She underwent an inordinate number of neurological and spinal surgeries amongst other invasive treatment, something no one should ever have to go through, let alone a 15 year old. While her condition is now thankfully stable, sadly there is no cure, so she still lives with the daily exhausting and painful symptoms. Not much is known about the conditions, and there is only a limited amount of research into Syringomyelia carried out worldwide. As a result there is very little support available for patients. This is why I've chosen (with my wonderful friend India!) to take on the UK's biggest endurance challenge and trek the 100k from London to Brighton (hopefully not going the wrong way and ending up in Inverness) on behalf of the Ann Conroy Trust, the only charity in the UK specifically supporting research into these conditions. The Ann Conroy Trust is a small but active organisation led by volunteers, and dependent on sponsors, donors and fundraisers to help fund research and provide support for patients. 

For more information about this charity and their amazing efforts, visit: www.annconroytrust.org

I do solemnly swear that after this mother of all challenges, I'll sit down and keep very quiet for a good long while, but it would sincerely mean the absolute world if, this one last time, you could please spare ANY manner of donation of ANY size towards my very personal cause. Every single penny will be so very gratefully received and appreciated while I grit my teeth and power through the blisters at 3am…

Thank you so much in advance, and much love,

Eleanor