Children from the poorest backgrounds shouldn't have their potential cut short before their lives have really begun. That's why I'm raising funds for the National Literacy Trust by taking part in the Arctic Challenge in January 2027.

The Arctic Challenge is a wilderness endurance event that takes place in northern Sweden. There, I will be joining in a 35km dog sled race, ice fishing, orienteering and hiking 20km through waist-deep snow in the endless night of winter in the Arctic Circle. I can't wait for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, but am even more excited knowing that the money I raise through this event will help to better the life stories of children in the most disadvantaged areas of the UK.

Why support the National Literacy Trust? Because it transforms the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds by breaking the links between poverty and low-literacy.

On average, children from the poorest backgrounds start school 19 months behind their more privileged peers. Furthermore, children without the expected level of literacy 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 be unemployed aged 34

- three times more likely to have mental health problems as adults.

As a lifelong lover of reading, I know the power of books - to entertain, educate, connect and inspire - and firmly believe no child should be held back from the gift of reading by luck or circumstance. Your contribution will directly help the NLT continue their heroic efforts and I look forward to sharing the ways this impacts children's lives.

Thank you for supporting me!