Rather foolishly, I’ve signed up to take part in one of Europe’s most demanding charity challenges, Trailtrekker 2010, a non stop 100km hike through the Yorkshire Dales.

Oxfam hope the event will raise £600,000 for projects helping some of the world’s poorest people. The charity is looking to build on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which saw 664 participants – some from as far afield as Australia – raise almost £400,000 between them.

The 62-mile circular walk begins and ends in Skipton, taking in the stunning heights of Malham Edge and 2,100 ft Pen-y-Ghent as well as the rolling hills of Langstrothdale and Wharfedale. 

I find myself in serious New Year training mode, abstaining from all things grape related and dieting hard. 

The thought of attempting a challenge originally conceived as a training exercise for the Gurkhas has certainly helped focus my mind on the task ahead!

To be eligible to enter the event I need to raise a minimum of £500 for Oxfam. If you can, please visit my online fundraising page to make a donation to this very worthwhile cause.

Company sponsors should email a copy of their logo to mail@publicsectornomads.com for inclusion on this page and for front page mention in future updates on my progress.