On Saturday 5 June Simpkins is off to Paris to celebrate with a bunch of chums who all have birthdays around the same date. This will, naturally, involve a considerable amount of shopping miles. 

Upon returning on Eurostar, Simpkins, who is a Dimbleby Cancer Care Ambassador, will be heading straight to St Thomas’ Hospital to join Jonathan Dimbleby and other fundraisers for the 50/50/50 endurance challenge – a 50km walk past London landmarks that takes place during the night. The aim is to raise £50,000 to mark the charity’s 50th anniversary. 

All of this would be just about do-able, were it not for Simpkins’ dodgy knee. “I tried acupuncture, and then I started cycling as I hoped that would help, and then I fell off my bike!” she reports. 

“I’ve got to do it, even if I go around in a wheelchair,” adds the indomitable Simpkins, pictured on her visit to No. 10 last year with both Dimbleby brothers, SamCam, and other luminaries. 

Her aim is to raise £500 to help DCC hit its target. Donate at www.justgiving.com/Megan-Simpkins.