For the last few years the company where I work has organised sponsored walks for our Charity of the Year, and every year I keep saying "I'll have a go next time".

Well 'next time' is finally here and I'm stepping way outside my comfort zone this June to join 35 of my colleagues, up in Inverness, in walking the circumference of Loch Ness (130km/80 miles over four days) in support of Young Lives vs Cancer.

Young Lives vs Cancer is the UK’s leading cancer charity, providing children, young people and their families with the vital emotional, practical and financial support they need following a cancer diagnosis.

Every single day 12 children and young people receive the devastating news that they have cancer – and this news changes everything. A time which should be carefree suddenly becomes full of fear.

Young Lives vs Cancer support an amazing 7,000 children and young people every year, helping them to find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.

With your generous support together we can help them to reach even more families who desperately need help and support.

Thank you so much for your donation today. Andy Bates