As a former Chair of the PCA, I have seen first-hand the fantastic and life-changing work that the Professional Cricketers’ Trust carries out on behalf of PCA members and their families.

You go through your entire professional career thinking you’ll never need the support of the Trust, but then it hits you in an instant, and that’s exactly what happened to me and my family.

I want to make sure that the support we received as a family is there for the next individual or family that needs it, and that’s why I’m aiming to give something back this month through this unique challenge.

It sounds ridiculous, and I’ve been warned about even attempting it, but I am aiming to run a half marathon (21.1km) around the Palm, Dubai in the midday summer heat of the United Arab Emirates on Friday 30 July.

I am running on my own but will be supported throughout by my wife Amelia and my daughters Frankie and Florence. I won’t be looking to break records as it will genuinely be the toughest thing I have ever done.

Temperatures are set to reach 50 degrees Celsius and beyond, but I know I’ll be able to do it with your support, and a couple of hours of pain will be worth it in the knowledge that I’m fundraising on behalf of those who need it the most.

Please donate what you can to support me as I beat the heat in aid of the Trust - any donations, small or large, are greatly appreciated and I know that every penny raised is potentially life changing for those who need the Trust’s support.

Many thanks in advance,

Dougie