I work at Colstons Girls School, an academy in the centre of Bristol. I have organised for a group of my fantastic students to travel to Zanzibar this summer to volunteer in overcrowded, under-resourced schools.

I am taking part in the 40 mile ROC Mountain Marathon on 23-24 September to help raise the funds my students need to afford this expedition. For many of our students the idea of taking part in an expedition like this feels unobtainable; but by being creative and working in a team we can help make expeditions like these accessible to all.

We are taking 14 girls on this expedition - the first this school has undertaken for several years. Once in country the students will be teaching and taking part in ongoing volunteering work for state schools in Zanzibar. The reality of life for young people on the island is different to the postcard-perfect scenery, with low daily wages and overcrowded classes.

A mountain marathon involves carrying all your own equipment and food over two days of navigating and running on mountainous terrain - with a wild camp halfway through! I'm looking forward to the challenge and I'm really enthused by the cause - I will be encouraging my students to take on similar crazy challenges as part of their fundraising efforts!