In January 2025, I'll be embarking on a wilderness endurance challenge in the heart of Arctic Lapland with three other tms'ers! Over the course of a long weekend, I'll be taking part in a 35km dog sled race, a 20km Nordic ski, ice fishing, orienteering, and woodland fire lighting. This will be in -35c or colder, with 5-6 hours of sunlight per day, sleeping in a lodge with no heating! (I've never skied before either so this will be interesting....!)

This will all be in aid of the brilliant work the National Literacy Trust do.

Did you know that 1 in 5 children in the UK do not own a book of their own?

Reading and writing are fundamental skills that impact every aspect of life, from education and employment to health and well-being. Your donation will help to transform the life stories of children living in disadvantaged communities in the UK.

On average, children from the poorest backgrounds start school with literacy skills which are 19 months behind their more privileged peers.

Children without these skills are held back at every stage of their lives. They are:

• Five times more likely to fail to meet the expected standards in English at age 11

• Four times more likely to struggle to read as adults

• Twice as likely to be unemployed aged 34

• Three times more likely to have mental health problems as adults

Any donations/sharing will be hugely appreciated! Wish me luck!!