What I do for fun……………..there are lots and lots of outdoor challenges out there. I’ve done some for the exhilarating, personal challenge of completing the event, others I’ve done because the charity that’s organising the event is a charity close to my heart. I am always on the lookout for an event which incorporates both….

·      Munros – there are 284 Munros in Scotland (mountains which are more than 3000 feet) and one of my lifetime ambitions is to climb them all. So far I have ticked off 95

·      Mizen to Malin – the most southerly point in Ireland to the most northerly point is a distance of over 400 miles. Over 4 days in August 2004 my friend, Ali and I cycled between these two points, ably supported and encouraged by Wayne. Involved charity: Northern Ireland Hospice

·      Mourne Mountain Marathon – a 2 day navigational endurance event held annually in September in the Mournes. Around 600 people in teams of 2 compete in a number of different classes. I’ve done the event a number of times, with a different partner each time – Gillian, Ali, Nigel and Sheena.

·      HRP – the Haute Route des Pyrenees in the French Pyrenees is a classic high level long distance route. Nigel and I spent 10 days walking the middle section of this route in blistering sunshine.

·      Maracycle – Co-operation North’s annual Belfast to Dublin and back again over a Saturday and Sunday in June. I did this one with Nigel. Involved charity: Co-operation North

·      Runher 5km Event – my daughter, Sophia, and I did this event in June 2008 along with 700 other women. Sophia ran non-stop and I was very proud of her achievement. Involved charity: Clic Sergeant

·      Lap the Lough – I cycled round Lough Neagh in August 2008 along with the Stranmillis Parents Cycling Group (About 85 miles)

.      Bangor Coastal Challenge 100k Cycle – a super cycle round the Ards Peninsula usually in the middle of June. I’ve done it with Steph, with Bobby and Craig and with the Stranmillis Parents Cycling Group

.     The seven sevens - an annual walk/run in the Mournes on the Saturday closest to the 7th of the 7th covering all 7 of the mountains in the Mournes which are over 700m.

.     Mourne wall walk - no longer an annual event due to the erosion caused by the hundreds of participants all folowing exactly the same route, but Anne and I did it ourselves starting at Carrick Little.