On 6 March 2027, I’ll be taking on Ironman New Zealand.

I’ll swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and then run a marathon, travelling alone to the other side of the world to do it.

But this isn’t really about an Ironman.

It’s about my wife, Victoria.

Ten years ago, just before our wedding, Victoria and I were involved in a car accident. Victoria was just 29 years old. Since then, she has suffered with ME/CFS, and I have seen first hand what this devastating illness can do to a person’s life.

An illness that started when she was 29 has taken away so many of the years that should have been some of the best of her life.

I wouldn’t wish ME on my worst enemy.

That’s why I’m raising money for the ME Association.

ME affects more than 400,000 people in the UK, yet it remains hugely underfunded and under researched. There is no known cure, and for some people even the smallest amount of physical or mental exertion can leave them severely unwell. Some are unable to work, study, socialise or even leave their homes.

I have lived alongside this illness for ten years. I’ve seen the impact it has had on Victoria, on our family and on the life we imagined we would have together.

And that’s why this challenge means so much to me.

Anyone who knows me well will know I’m usually the first to say yes to a challenge, particularly if it’s for charity. Over the years I’ve run marathons, grown moustaches for Movember, taken part in Tough Mudders, competed in a dragon boat race, completed charity hikes and plenty of other challenges along the way.

I completed an Ironman in 2012, so I know exactly what I’m signing myself up for.

But this one is different.

At 43, I now realise that being fit, healthy and strong isn’t just about me. It’s about being in the best position I can be to look after Victoria and to make the most of the life we have together.

So this time, every mile has a purpose.

I’m hoping to push myself further, raise as much money as possible and, just as importantly, help raise awareness of ME and the devastating impact it can have on so many people’s lives.

Please donate whatever you can to the ME Association.

Every donation, however big or small, will help support people living with ME and their families, while contributing towards greater understanding, research and ultimately finding better treatments for this devastating illness.

Thank you for reading, sharing, donating and supporting me.

This one really does mean a lot.

Chris