I am taking on the challenge of an Ironman this year to raise money for the Charlie Sumption Memorial Fund (CSMF). An Ironman is a 140.6 mile triathlon made up of a 2.4 mile (3.8k)swim, a 112 mile(180k) bike ride, and a 26.2 mile (42.2k) marathon, all in one go. To put it in perspective: that’s like swimming 152 lengths of a 25m pool, cycling from London to Birmingham, then running a full marathon — non-stop.

As you may know, the Sumption family and the Barry clan, are more like extensions of each other's families than just friends. The charity was set up by the Sumption boys (Ed and Alex), in memory of their brother, Charlie, who tragically passed away at just 14 years old.

In memory of Charlie, the charity helps provide and support a brighter future for children in Kenya, by providing scholarships and education to children that would otherwise not be able to access or afford. For more information on what the charity does, please visit this link: www.csmf.co.uk

As part of this journey, I’ll be joined by my sister Popsie (Lucy) and her boyfriend, Ben, who will be taking on the half Ironman alongside me. This is definitely the biggest challenge we have faced so far. The training plans are already proving a real test! Having the support of each other, we are tackling this challenge in aid of an incredible cause.

CSMF is going through some big changes in the way they support the local children and so raising money at the moment is vital to help with their plans to improve the education for not just one school, but a whole community.

Any donation, big or small, will make a real difference. Thank you so much for your support!