On 2nd June, I’ll be competing in the biggest challenge I have set myself yet. Known as one of the world’s toughest footraces, this is a 230km, self-supported ultra marathon in the Amazon Jungle. With a total ascent of over 5,000 meters, enduring 100% humidity and temperatures of over 30 degrees, the Jungle Ultra will push me to my limits.

Fewer than 60 people have completed this long gruelling test of physical and mental endurance despite over 300 having tried over the past nine years and last year only six people finished the race.

If I complete it, in addition to joining the small Jungle Ultra finisher list, I will also become part of a very select group to complete the Beyond The Ultimate Global Race Series with just a couple of people reaching that milestone to date.

The Global Race Series is made up of four iconic extreme trail running events designed to test the resilience and endurance of any runner, set in the world’s most remote and hostile environments on earth.

The Ice Ultra is a race across the Arctic Circle – Europe’s last remaining wilderness. The Jungle Ultra is set deep in the heat of the Amazon Rainforest. The Desert Ultra crosses the Namib – the world’s most ancient and hostile desert. And the Mountain Ultra climbs one of the largest and least explored mountain ranges in the world – The Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan.

In memory of my friend

This journey is in no small part down to one man. His name was Julian and he was a dear friend, mentor and colleague. He was so kind, giving and full of life. A true gentleman with a generosity of spirit that is seemingly rare at times. He also happened to be a pretty damn good runner.

Julian left this world at the height of powers, a natural runner and athlete, he was a competitive ultra marathon runner, a father, a husband and an exceptional human. He was a true inspiration to me and to this day, I see him as a role model with standards I aspire to reach. It’s difficult to really put into words what an impact Julian made on me. He was a central figure in several moments that changed my for the better and set me on a path, giving me my first job in the video games industry and pushing me to complete my first marathon (you can see our team picture from the 2009 London Marathon with myself, Julian and team members on this page). Without Julian, this journey to the Amazon Jungle would never have happened for me: He blessed my life professionally and spiritually, giving me a glimpse into a world of adventure and freedom that wouldn't have unfolded without his guidance. For that, I will be forever grateful.

For a very special charity

Julian worked for the iconic SEGA and got me into the video games industry all of those years ago and I am raising money for a charity that is close to my heart after working with them for so many years.

For those that don’t know them, SpecialEffect are a charity that transforms the lives of people with physical challenges right across the world through the innovative use of technology. They're enabling inclusion and enjoyment by helping people to unlock the magic of video games to the best of their abilities, they're bringing communication, independence and hope for people in intensive care units with severe injuries, and they're using telepresent robots to reconnect medically isolated children with their education and friends.

Find out more at www.specialeffect.org.uk

I am incredibly proud to make a small difference with Special Effect and it feels so fitting that I can give back a little to the industry I started in all those years ago, which for me was all began with one man taking a risk on a young person at the beginning of his career.

Please give generously and wish me a little luck – I will almost certainly need it!