I'm proud to have been a trustee of this tiny but brilliant charity for five years and have been fundraising since its foundation in 2011. I have run races, baked cakes and tasted wine (separate occasions) in the name of BFZ but I've never completed a trail run before.

I've always felt intrigued to leave the relative safety of pavement running for the wilderness but cowered at the sight of all that mud. So, after the wettest September I've ever seen , I'm taking the leap! The trail run I've chosen is close to home, through the woods on the Ashton Court Estate near Bristol. In preparation, I've been hill training and just purchased a new pair of shoes - with spikes - but have limited time to wear them in, there may be blisters...

This is rare recent dry day after a training run.

As trustees of Brighter Futures Zambia (BFZ), we are on a mission to empower vulnerable children and young people to achieve brighter futures.

Funding is particularly important at the moment as Zambia is facing the worst drought in 40 years, 50% of staple crops have failed and people are experiencing acute hunger and all the associated impacts of extreme hardship.

Please support us as we challenge ourselves to raise vital funds for our small but mighty charity.