I am skating the SkateMania Preston Inline Skate Marathon to raise money for Water Aid, because I believe that everybody should have access to safe, clean water and decent toilets. It's as simple as that really; water and sanitation are basic needs, and if we can help other people have access to them then I think we should.

As many of you will know, I joined the University of Nottingham's skating society, BladeSoc, when I started uni and have skated many miles since then. But this is the first time I will be putting my skills towards a charitable cause. I'm aiming to complete the marathon in the fairly arbitrarily chosen (but nonetheless, challenging) time of Paula Radcliffe's London Marathon record of 2:15:25.

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.