In 2023, I travelled to Kenya to volunteer with Kidogo Kids, a small but extraordinary charity founded by the incredible Alice and her family. Their mission is simple yet profound: to create education, safety and opportunity for children growing up in the slums of Nairobi.

What I expected to be just a three-month experience quickly grew into something far more long-lasting and I’ve since travelled back to Kenya multiple times to visit the children and strengthen those relationships.

My family and I now sponsor one of the gorgeous young girls in the safe house, but seeing the scale of need firsthand has made me want to do more and to support as many children and their families as possible.

Despite its size, Kidogo Kids has an extraordinary reach and impact. Every single day, it transforms lives, offering children not just support, but hope for a brighter future. However, the need is growing.

Many of the children urgently require funding for basic school fees and recently there has been a surge in young girls being brought to the safe house after being rescued from horrendous trafficking situations.

I would love to help give these girls the chance to return to education and begin rebuilding their lives, supported by Alice and her incredible team.

The charity’s work spans multiple vital initiatives: a primary school, a safe house for girls who have experienced abuse, girls’ and boys’ support groups, a women’s refuge and dedicated homes for babies and children.

Supporting so many individuals with such a small team is no easy task, especially when the need is so great. Alice’s dedication is nothing short of remarkable and I want to raise as much as possible to help her continue this essential work.

This is why I’ve decided to take on a half marathon in their honour (which, I can confirm, is far more daunting than it sounds considering I don’t currently own a pair of trainers and haven’t run since Year 8 cross country…).

The children supported by Kidogo Kids are some of the happiest, most radiant people I have ever met, despite having faced challenges that no child should endure. Their resilience, joy, and spirit leave a lasting impression on everyone they meet. Their outlook is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, of hope and of finding reasons to smile and dance, even in the hardest moments.

Whether it’s helping to cover school fees, supporting girls in the safe house, providing daily meals, or caring for the most vulnerable, every single donation makes a tangible difference. Every pound goes further than you can imagine, directly to children who are not only deserving, but truly inspiring.

Thank you so much in advance for your support and I can't wait to raise as much as possible for this incredibly worthy cause.