The 12in12 is a yearlong fundraiser whereby 26 adventurous individuals (Team 12) will each complete 12 challenges in 12 months for 2012. I will be pushing myself to my limits physically, mentally and emotionally, but I am utterly determined to do so as I know that every penny I raise will be put to tremendous use by HOPEHIV, who help some of the most vulnerable children in Africa orphaned or affected by the devastating consequences of HIV/AIDS and poverty. Spending time with HOPEHIV in Zimbabwe last year has inspired me to dedicate 2012 to raising funds for them, both through my challenges and additional fundraising events. I know that every penny you give will be multiplied by the loving and serving hearts of the project partners in Africa, so thank you in advance for making a difference!

Challenge 1: complete! Disney World Marathon, 8 Jan - 3:24:28, 15th in age group and 51st female. Fun...but still a marathon!

Challenge 2: Coastal Series half marathon, 18 Feb (terrain: severe). Toughest race of my life, harder than any marathon! Loved it.

Challenge 3: Limassol Half Marathon, 17 March, 1:29:46. (part of a half 'series': also ran Reading Half 2 weeks later in 1:28 and pacemade Silverstone, all within 3 weeks. Hardest month so far as suffered illness and exhaustion!

Challenge 4: London marathon, 22 April. New PB of 3:20:57 but a LOT of pain....

Challenge 5: Edinburgh marathon, 27 May. 3:22:30. Severe dehydration and stomach cramps killed my hopes of a PB but great race and support nonetheless.

Challenge 6: London to Paris bike ride, over 200 miles in 3 days. Many adventures, highs and lows but the best challenge so far due to the fantastic team spirit and camaraderie.

July - tremendous school sports day and swimathon at Tooting Bec Lido where we raised 1.5k! I swam almost 5km too which I am hugely proud of having not been able to swim more than a length of the Lido mid-June!

August: 3 Peaks challenge (SO tough! Very steep, no sleep, very long...) my first ever triathlon, Olympic distance - my toughest challenge and biggest achievement of the year being a non-swimmer THEN bog snorkelling triathlon in Wales - 7.5m fell run, 19m MTB with technical descents plus bog snorkel - really quite tough! Chuffed with our 3rd place medal and medal for best fancy dress :-)

September: Scotland Coast to Coast Challenge: 105 miles across Scotland by bike, running/trekking and kayaking. New toughest challenge of the year. Headwinds that meant we had to pedal HARD downhill. Extreme weather, extreme hills!

Oct 4th - Ripon Ultra (34 miles). Weirdly loved it! Came 3rd female in 6:23. Tough, steep but exhilirating

Nov: cycling Brugges to Amsterdam - such a fun birthday trip (aside the lashing rain and hail)...

December....the final challenge: 12 marathons in 12 days across the UK, starting on 12/12/12. Follow our progress on Facebook, Twitter (#hopetour), the12in12.com, http://www.mapmytracks.com/events/12in12---hope-tour for live footage!

In February 2013 we will journey to Kenya to visit some of the projects project beneficiaries, which I am sure will be an experience that stays with us forever.

It's a big year and I am facing the toughest challenges of my life, so please dig deep and sponsor me! If you'd like to join me on any of my events please send me an email at sarah@sarahoneill.co.uk and check out our full list at www.the12in12.com.

Please note ALL team events are self-funded and therefore none of your sponsorship money will be used to pay for any of our challenges. This is a core principle of the team.