On October 8th I will be running a half-marathon to help raise money to take the Oxford University Wind Orchestra on tour to the USA. I have never done any serious running before so this half marathon is proving to be a big challenge but the enthusiastic support from other OUWO members also running the race has seen me through the tough training regime.

OUWO is Oxford University's premier wind orchestra, containing some of the most talented woodwind, brass and percussion players in Oxford. This December we plan to tour to the East Coast where we will be performing with American bands, building positive relations through music in a world of seemingly every increasing negativity and isolation. Most of the funds for the tour have come from grants but every little bit raised will help us achieve our goal and take the orchestra on tour.

I may have only been a member of OUWO for a few months but this dynamic orchestra has been the most rewarding experience that I have had so far at university. It has been a privilege to play and learn with such talented musicians, and I can't wait to tour with them.

If for what ever reason the tour is cancelled then all funds that I have raised will be donated to the Back Up Trust, a fantastic charity working to support everyone affected by a spinal chord injury.