In a surprising set of developments given my pre-2024 attitude to exercise not involving ball games, I'll be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 11 October with my sister, Zoë, and the following weekend the Yorkshire Marathon on 18 October, where I'll be trying to keep up with my good pal Barbara.

I have never run a marathon before but I'm doing this to raise money for War Child UK. Making a difference to some of the people who need help the most, in some of the scariest parts of an increasingly scary world, will I hope not only convince you to donate something (however big or small), but also keep me pushing as the miles ramp up and the fatigue grows.

War Child UK is the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict. For three decades we've been driven by a single goal for no child's life to be torn apart by war.

We aim to reach children as early as possible when conflict breaks out and stay to support them through their recovery keeping them safe, helping them learn and cope with their experiences, and equipping them with skills for the future. We understand children's needs, respect their rights, and put them at the centre of the solution.

We campaign for changes to policies and practices to support children in conflict, and work with children and young people themselves to demand their rights.

Together with our partners we deliver our vital, life-saving work in countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Europe and Latin America.

Our incredible team of runners are taking on the Royal Parks Half to raise vital funds!