Along with my crew-mates Lucy, Jose, Matt and Rob, 'Team Thames' will be cycling 536 kilometers across Zambia in six days to raise funds for WaterAid.

Before I explain the challenge and the aim, I know that many of you will be looking forward to seeing me go through a whole world of pain over the course of the next few months in order to get fit for the challenge ahead. Those who know me well, and certainly my Ground West colleagues at Thames, will know I'm partial to a sweet treat, so the first target is to get used to more than just walking to the canteen!

I'll be posting regular updates on here, and on my social media channels, with pictures and commentary, so you can see all the preparation ahead of what will be an amazing experience.

The challenge will take our team via mountain bikes, on and off road, through the friendly towns and villages of rural southern Zambia, passing farmland and sugar cane plantations, encountering all sorts of wildlife along the way before ending up at the famous Victoria Falls. Importantly, we’ll be visiting WaterAid projects en route and have a target of raising £4,400 in sponsorship each for the good cause.

There's a very long distance to travel, both in kilometers and in sponsorship - every single penny you donate will bring us closer to our destination, and will help to bring new life to some of the poorest areas of Africa though a supply of clean water. This will be an almighty challenge for all of us within the team, with long days in the saddle riding on dirt and sand tracks and intense heat of up to 29 degrees for six days back-to-back.

Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene should be a normal part of everyone’s daily life. Without all three, people can’t live dignified, healthy lives. With all three, they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.With clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, children are born healthier. They get the chance to go to school and grow up to become adults. Women and men get to earn a living. Whole communities start to thrive. It sounds normal and it should be.