On 20 Aug 2022, I will attempt to run 50 miles / 80km, with a mind-boggling 11,800ft (3,600m) elevation change, at the Backcountry Rise ultra marathon.

This will be my greatest physical challenge to date. I've previously run a 63km ultra in Turkey, and a 5-day 110-mile ultra in the Balkans, but nothing quite this long in a single day.

Given the challenge, I wanted to take this opportunity to fundraise for Free to Run, an organization that enables girls and women from conflict-affected zones to take part in adventure sports. I deeply believe that movement in nature can help all people gain confidence, improve social bonds, connect to the world around them and boost their leadership skills.

This is also at the heart of Free to Run's mission.

I've met many girls who regularly take part in Free to Run-organized runs, hikes and sporting events, in Afghanistan and Iraq. It's clear to see that Free to Run provides them with opportunities they may not otherwise have. I want to support these efforts, to help create female leaders of the future through the pursuit of bold adventure.

Access to the outdoors should not be a privilege, but a basic human right.