Well folks - the hour of reckoning is fast approaching. Almost a year ago I was set a challenge - to become a 'proper Ben Nevis hillwalking type' within a year. Over the past months I've been to new and exciting places, developed vital skills, challenged myself physically and emotionally and learnt a lot about the wonders and pitfalls of hillwalking and also learnt a lot about myself. Despite the grumbles about occasional aches and pains I'm fitter than I've been for a long time and loving it! Since I began my training I've lost well over 3 stone and have gone from being a dress size 18-20 to 10-12. My energy levels are great and I've learnt to appreciate my own abilities as well as the wonders of the outdoors. But it's not over yet. On Saturday I will be facing my greatest physical and psychological challenge ever - to walk to the summit of Ben Nevis and back - safely and in daylight - and with every step I'll be helping to raise much needed funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. I'm pleased to say I've raised just under £400 at the moment but would bring in a bit more so if you've a few pennies to spare you can log on to www.justgiving.com/sturdygirl and make a small donation - every penny helps.

My mum will be joining me on the trip up to Fort William. Needless to say, she won't be making the ascent with me but I know she'd love to if she could. Instead she'll be waiting at the bottom with a walking talkie grasped firmly in her mitts, patiently waiting for me to come back down - either that or she'll be off shopping somewhere and enjoying a leisurely lunch! Just make sure you've got a nice pint for me mum when I get back - and something yummy to eat. If any of you are in the area on Saturday why not say hello. I'll be leaving from the Ben Nevis Inn between 9.30am and 10am - hope to be back by 5pm - but more likely 8pm! I'll be finding a nice pub in the town later on as well. Tomcat will, I hope, be hanging around at home waiting to here if I've survived or not :-) and has promised a nice dinner and lots of TLC when I get back on Tuesday- although in reality what he means is we'll be jumping into a swimming pool as soon as I get back to practise his scuba diving skills! Cheeky monster. And in case you're wondering, Tomcat's real name is Sean and thanks to him and his beautiful dog I've been able to discover the wonders of my home county and have finally come to understand that I don't have to be an all singing/all dancing extreme sports nutter to find a companion who is happy to share some of my outdoor passions - I've learnt that it's O.K to stop every now and again and do nothing - I've found balance and a playmate to explore life's great adventure with - and we first met in the pouring rain on a walk around Hadleigh Castle - and if waterproofs don't put you off someone then it's got to be good!!!

So, what a year it's been. But, as I said, it's not over yet. It's time to face that mountain and step up to my final challenge. Wish me luck. I'll be writing one final blog next week when I get back, sharing memories, moments and hopes for the future - thanks for travelling with me so far - hope you've enjoyed the journey.

All for now.

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