Over the past year, I’ve become very fond of South London Cares – a small, but very special charity which mobilises young professionals to hang out with and help their older neighbours.

I’ve experienced first hand a positive impact that a small chat or a little practical help can have on isolated older people, some of whom don’t see or speak to anyone for days, even weeks on end. Did you know that one million older people in the UK haven't spoken to anyone in a month? 

A few of my favourite people in the world are 65+ and are very fortunate not to be in the same position. I want to help as many people outside my own circle as possible, and as my daily schedule doesn't allow me to commit to as much volunteering as I'd like to, I decided to contribute by signing up for a mammoth challenge of walking 100k in a day! I want to raise as much money as I can to enable more Social Clubs where the wonderfully fulfilling interactions between youngsters and older neighbours take place.

Last year I walked 50k - it was a big ask considering this was my first ever challenge of the sort and I am not sporty in the slightest. I completed the walk in about 10 hours and was really touched by all the support I'd received. Thank you once again!

I wanted to make this year's challenge bigger and better so I've decided to go the extra mile. An extra 31 miles in fact! I'll be walking 100k from London to Cambridge in one day. That's 24h hours of walking, non-stop! I'm terrified and will have to push very hard to complete the challenge, but as they say, if your walk doesn't scare you, it’s not long enough ;) 

Any donation will be very much appreciated and will keep me motivated throughout the walk. I lost 5 toenails to 50k last year, please make it worthwhile losing all 10 this year;) 

Thank you in advance,

Mateja x

P.S. Here are a few examples of how far your money could go: £20 would enable a film night for 20 older neighbours and their young volunteer friends; £40 could help pay for a Cooking Session for 10 isolated people; £150 could help fund a dinner party!

P.P.S. The event date is 2nd of July, not 2nd of May as stated above.