On 20 August I'll compete in my first Ironman triathlon to raise money for Womankind. That's a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike, topped off with a full marathon. My goal is to complete the event in under 13 hours, but frankly I will just be delighted to get across the finish line. 

Womankind is a wonderful charity that is very dear to my heart. It aims to help women in the developing world by combatting violence against women, providing women with more of a say in the political process and enabling them to take control over their own livelihoods. I feel so fortunate to have been born with the opportunities I have had and I want to support a charity which is focused on bringing more of those opportunities to women who have been born into less fortunate circumstances. 

I would be very grateful for any contributions you are able to make to support the charity, and to help keep me focused and positive as I push through the last few painful hours of the race.