Marathon des Sables (or MdS) is a gruelling, 156 mile, self-sufficient, multi-stage race through the formidable landscape and inhospitable climate of the Sahara desert. And I'll be running this, 5-10 April.

When I initially decided to register for it last year, I did so with the primary purpose of it being a personal goal. But after reflecting on the enormity of the challenge ahead of me, it felt far too selfish to be only doing it for myself and I realised I should use this ordeal as a vehicle to raise money for those less fortunate.

There's no right or wrong answer in fundraising, no matter what the charity, no matter how big or small the sponsored challenge. However, seeing as I'll be tackling 6 marathons in 5 days across the Sahara, in temperatures reaching 50°C, I felt water to be somewhat of an appropriate cause.

Safe, clean water is something we all take for granted at the turn of a tap, but diseases from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Creating a safe, clean, sustainable water source can single handedly help revive a community and tackle poverty.