Time was when I was accused of having 'designer mud' on my boots but five years ago I walked from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay with my pal Gail, in aid of mountain rescue – or more specifically, to raise funds for the embryonic Mountain and Cave Rescue Benevolent Fund. 

Well, we did it and many, many people supported us along the way, both emotionally and financially and with the odd glass of something to revive our flagging spirits. The story of our adventure is still available to read on my blog at http://twirliesontour.blogspot.com and I'm still amazed at the some of the adventures we had! 

And in the five years since, I'm happy to report that the Benevolent Fund has been set up and dealt with its first five applications for help. The majority of these were for rehabilitation – physical and emotional – following trauma which occurred whilst the individuals were responding to a mountain rescue call-out. 

As editor of Mountain Rescue Magazine I've been privileged to meet mountain rescuers across the UK and they're a remarkable bunch of people! Men and women who give their time (on a daily basis in some areas – sometimes several times a day!) to go to the aid of those in distress on the hills and mountains. On call 24/7, whatever the weather. 

They are all volunteers in what is still, uniquely, an entirely voluntary service. Your donation will help them continue doing what they do when they themselves are injured or at risk. 

A huge thank you to those who supported before, but you never know, there might just be someone else out there who wants to donate... so here goes...