The name Marathon des Sables is slightly misleading: it isn't a marathon. It's actually about six marathons run over the course of six days in the Sahara desert, with daily distances ranging from around 21 miles to over 50 miles. The terrain is harsh. The route is a closely guarded secret until we arrive in the desert. Only 14% of competitors are female. The race is self-supported, which means I'll be carrying all of my food and kit (including a compulsory anti-venom pump in case of snake bites!) for the week. Water is strictly rationed and cut-off times are enforced. There will be no showers or toilets. I will have to share a tent with 7 others. I will have just one set of running kit for the whole week. There will be camel spiders (Google them - they are terrifying!). I might get lost, particularly on the overnight stage...

So why on earth am I doing this? Good question! I'm taking on this race because I want to challenge myself; I genuinely don't know whether I'll manage it. A challenge isn't really a challenge if you already know you can do it before you start. My main motivation is to raise money for the NSPCC and I'm sure that thought will keep me going when things get really tough out in the desert. 

Anyone who makes a donation can choose a song to be added to my desert playlist. I promise I will listen to all of them, so please don't pick a soppy power ballad or a soporific instrumental! Upbeat tunes needed please!

The NSPCC is the leading children's charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. We help children who have been abused to rebuild their lives, protect those at risk, and find the best ways of preventing abuse from ever happening.Every child deserves the best possible chance to rebuild their life after abuseThat’s why we’re here. That's what drives all our work. And that’s why – as long as there’s abuse – we will fight for every childhood.