Jo Cox wasn't someone I knew personally. I knew of her - as someone involved in Labour circles you hardly couldn't be - but I don't think we ever met. But still, her murder shocked and stunned me. It was the first time it really hit me that there could be mortal consequences to my activism. Bizarre really; I'd been initimidated and attacked before but it never struck me just how much risk we took on.

If there is one value at the core of my life it is the idea that, as Jo encapsulated so well, that we have More in Common than that which divides us. It's the belief that led me on my career path, that defines how I want to live my life. It's why I am so proud of the work I do now for the Jo Cox Foundation and why I've chosen to fundraise for the charity.

Because it really is important that we do bring society together, to bridge divides and de-escalate our conflicts. And the JCF is one of the few charities dedicating itself to doing this - and to do that we need your help.

In particular, we need help to run our work to build more civil politics. In the past seven years two MP's have been murdered. 88% of local councillors experience abuse or intimidation. MP's regularly get death threats. So, if you care about trying to build a better society please do support me.

So what am I doing? Well... I'm running 50 miles through some of the UK's toughest and most beautiful landscapes. It contains 4000m of ascent, slightly more than the height you'd gain climbing Everest from base camp, and takes in two of the Lakes' biggest mountain ridges. You can see more here: https://durtyevents.com/our-events/lakes-in-a-day/

So yeah, it'll be tough. It's probably stupid. When I decided to do this about 10 months ago I hadn't even run a marathon and my longest run was 14 miles. I've now rectified that, though almost abandoned due to pulling my IT band, but still it's a huge challenge that's way beyond my comfort level.

People don't often seem to fundraise for ultras - it's about the personal challenge as much as anything and that is definitely a big factor for me. I want to see how far I can push my body and, as someone moving into my mid-30s, show I can still do stuff. I'd do this without the fundraiser.

But equally the Jo Cox Foundation is a incredibly important cause; keeping a legacy, a vision and a set of values alive. Please do donate - whether that be to support me doing something very, very stupid or because you also believe that we have more in common than that which divides us.