A few years after competing in our first Ironman 70.3, we thought we’d given ourselves enough of a break from torture and it’s time for another! So, in May this year, we will be embarking upon a 1.9km swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 90km bike ride along Panama City Beach, Florida, finishing up with, what will no doubt be a very hot and painful half-marathon. The training hurts, the race will be extremely challenging, but we decided to continue pushing ourselves to be role models for our two boys and showing them that sport, health and also raising money for charity are all pillars that are very important to us and hopefully will be for them in the future.

I have always been a member of Women in Travel Retail + since my father first introduced me to Sarah Branquinho and Gerry Munday many years ago. It has been a joy to be part of the association through international events and the mentoring scheme and getting to meet our incredible members from all corners of the world.

We have decided to fundraise for Morgan’s army which is the official charity partner for Woman in TR in 2026. Based in Wales, the charity was founded by Natalie and Matthew Ridler following the cancer diagnosis and subsequent death of their son Morgan, aged just three. Today, Morgan’s Army supports families across South Wales affected by childhood cancer, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked siblings of young cancer patients. The charity also works to raise awareness of childhood/young people cancers to facilitate earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

In 2026, WiTR+ will seek to raise €15,000 to fund a structured monthly and bi-monthly sibling support programme, benefitting nearly 500 children whose brother or sister is undergoing cancer treatment. The programme will provide safe spaces, dedicated time and carefully designed activities that allow siblings to explore their emotions, build confidence, connect with peers who understand their experience, and feel seen during an exceptionally challenging period in their family lives.

The charity also has a sentimental pull to Mark’s family whose late grandparents (both passing this past year at the ages of 98 and 97, after an amazing 75 years of marriage) spent around 20 years of their lives living in South Wales where Mark’s mum was born. This would have been a charity that I know they would have been very proud to support.

Thank you in advance for giving your support and to a small charity with a big heart.