On Saturday 16th July I will attempt to walk from Elliott's place of birth@ the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, Berkshire to his final resting place@ St Peter's Church in Iver, Buckinghamshire: a total of 26 miles.

Many of my determined or sporty friends and family have run this distance fundraising, some doing it just for fun. However, as my wife Vanessa is keen to remind me, this is no easy challenge for me.  Many of you will remember that not so long ago, before my successful kidney transplant in 2010, I was registered disabled and barely able to walk 100 yards without difficulty due both to my kidney failure and damage to my leg that occurred following my failed kidney transplant in 2004. I'm certainly not at a peak of physical condition, but have been training hard and am also ready to attempt this - starting at 5am, I will pace myself and hope to reach Elliott's grave before sunset.

Elliott will forever be missed, but especially now as we approach what should have been his first birthday - always a special milestone for parents. This huge challenge is my attempt to remember him in a positive way, with the hope that one day soon the work that the SMA Trust is funding will help to find a cure for the number one genetic killer of babies and children under 2 years old.

PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN AND GIFT AID IF YOU ARE A TAX PAYER.

I would also welcome support along the journey: please join me for a stint of the walk, cheer from an agreed meeting point, or help me refuel and rehydrate along the way, please liaise with Vanessa who will have a time breakdown (vanessa_collins30@hotmail.co.uk / 07743 888 050).