15 years of living with alopecia, I am reminded that I have not always 'lived well' with alopecia. The first couple of years were really tough. I've said many times before that I wish I had found Alopecia UK a lot quicker than I did. Being in touch with others who 'got it' changed everything for me. The charity helped me so much in my early years of learning to live as a bald, then patchy-headed, girl.

I know I have repeatedly asked family and friends for donations over the past 13 years or so. But I work for a small charity and funding remains a challenge (as it is for so many small charities). I'm proud to be the charity's longest-serving staff member and as part of that I feel it's my duty to do my bit each year. Whether I can raise £100 or £1000 or anywhere in between, it really does make a HUGE difference. 

In September, I will be walking along the Leeds Liverpool canal from Skipton to Saltaire. If Google is correct, this is 16 miles. Meaning, Sparkles will be Strolling Sixteen miles from Skipton to Saltaire on a Saturday in September. Some might suggest that as a Comms Manager I have just picked this challenge for the wonderful alliteration. There is possibly some truth in that. But also, 16 miles is a chunky distance. It will likely take me a while. I don't think my 'Postman's Daughter' pace will keep going beyond the 5 mile mark.

September is Alopecia Awareness Month and this year is Alopecia UK's 20th anniversary. In fact, I will be doing this walk the day before the charity's official 20th birthday.

Please dig deep if you can. I would LOVE to have your support. And if anyone fancies joining me for all, or part, of the route or just want to pop down the canal to say hello, it would be wonderful to see some friendly faces.

Thanks for your support. Not just with this event, but for all support shown to me in the last 15 years. I appreciate it. Alopecia UK appreciates it. And i'm sure all the thousands of people who benefit from the services of the charity appreciate it too.

Much love, Sparkles (or Johnson, Johnners, Amy, AJ, Ames, depending who is reading this) x

PS, some of you know there was once an infamous solo walk along the canal where I got attacked by a swarm of what I believe were hornets. I was stung BADLY and nearly jumped in the canal to avoid the stinging swarm. Hopefully this won't happen again. It feels unlikely. But if it does, I expect you to double your donation. You have been warned. 

PPS, I have just realised that 'stinging swarm' would fit in with the lovely alliteration of my challenge...eeek...

Amy Johnson