This summer I'm undertaking two endurance challenges and hoping to raise money for a fantastic local charity called CARAS.

Based in Tooting, CARAS help refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild their lives and overcome the challenges faced when arriving in the UK via clubs, trips, mentoring, summer school and advocacy. www.caras.org.uk

On the first weekend of August I walked solo, non-stop for 32 hours across the South Downs, covering a total of 115km. I started at 09:30am on Saturday 5th August and walked through the night to finish on Sunday evening. It was a physically and mentally difficult weekend but isn't the only challenge I'll be attempting this summer...

On 2nd September I'll be taking part in an event called 'Man Vs Mountain', a 23 mile race from sea level to the 1085m peak of Snowdon and back down. It includes the ‘Vertical Kilometre’ – a 1000m long ascent rising more than 250m in height. www.ratrace.com/manvsmountain

Mandatory kit you are required to run with in order to take part includes an emergency blanket, a minimum of 400kcal of emergency food, a minimum of 1000ml of water, a basic first aid kit and a whistle - this is no casual walk in the park!

Both events are tough in different ways, but with one down and one still to go, knowing that I'm hopefully going to be able to raise some money for a great cause will make it all worth it!