I've known about the work of Unicef for as long as I can remember. I remember my Mum explaining to me that it was a special organisation that helped children, and when I was at school a number of my classmates had received support from the organisation. During my undergraduate degree my dissertation focused on the United Nations International Rights of the Child (which underpins all of Unicef's work) and I become really aware of how important it is that there is a politically neutral organisation looking out for those with least power. That's why I want to raise as much money as I can for the organisation by running the Royal Park's Foundation Half Marathon this October.

Unicef is a fantastic organisation doing amazing work, so please dig deep and help me reach my target of £400 - the amount Unicef needs to respond rapidly to the needs of 22 children in Syria displaced or affected by the conflict.

I'll be keeping a regular training diary on my blog - www.aprettyplacetoplay.com - and Unicef is still looking for runners to come and join us at the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, so why not challenge yourself and join me at the start line?