Today I got the all-clear after treatment for Stage 3 cervical cancer. I'm lucky; I live in a part of the world where I receive free, excellent medical care.

I know, though, that millions of people around the world don't have access to this kind of care.

In particular I am devastated by the daily news of the genocide in Gaza, where so many thousands of people have been injured and killed. Despite Israel’s blockade and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian access, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) scaled up activities in Palestine to assist people in need of medical care. 15 of their workers have been killed whilst delivering emergency services in Gaza so far.

What am I doing to raise funds?

So this October I am taking part in the By Any Means Virtual Challenge 2026 to raise funds for Medecins Sans Frontières. I'll be walking, cycling and swimming a total of at least 30km, reflecting the distance one MSF healthcare worker has to walk each day in Sudan, to raise awareness of medical and healthcare services offered by the charity.

As I return to exercise after my all-clear, and build up my fitness, each kilometre will bring me closer to my goal, to raise £1,000 for this brilliant charity.

Please donate to support these amazing people to bring care, treatment and respite to those who need it most. Your support, whether £1 or £100, or anything in between, will give me strength as I walk, cycle and swim 30km this month.

How does your donation help?

- £21 can help pay for masks to resuscitate three new born babies.

- £43 could pay for a blood pressure monitor to help detect underlying health issues

- £95 could provide antiretroviral drugs for a year for one person living with HIV/AIDS.

- £153 could buy a basic surgical kit, enabling an MSF surgeon to carry out surgery.

- £306 can pay for an emergency kit to dress 100 wounds.