I have been a Board Member & Trustee of hip hop charity East London Dance for a decade and am extremely proud of the work we do. We change lives in deprived East London communities via dance, with hip hop at the core.

Strength and fitness is a central part of my life, so I have decided to compete with my friend, trainer and podcast co-host, Angus Warburton in the Manchester HYROX competition on Saturday 25 January.

ELD develops independent dance artists and producers, it provides space for diverse communities to learn to dance, make friends, and expend energy. We unlock potential and give young people the opportunity to make the decisions, build confidence and become leaders as well as developing their dance and performance skills. We encourage healthier lives and mental wellbeing. We produce boundary breaking performances. Our community outreach staff help isolated children in challenged families and communities discover new avenues to express themselves and meet others who can change the direction of their lives. Over the years, through my role in ELD, I have met so many children and young adults who have benefitted from what we do.

A third of ELD's funding comes from its National Portfolio Organisation status with Arts Council England, but additional fundraising is essential. I have kickstart the process myself and I would be delighted if you could help me with this fantastic cause.

Angus & I will compete in the Men's Doubles HYROX competition at the Manchester Central Convention complex with thousands of others. The race involves eight 1km runs interspersed with 1,000m ski erg, 50m 100kg sled push, 50m 150kg sled pull, 80m burpee broad jumps, 1,000m row, 200m walk carrying two 24kg kettlebells, 100m lunges carrying a 20kg sandbag, and throwing a 6kg ball high up a wall 100 times.