I first came across ActionAid as most people might - on an advert on the back of a toilet door at South Mimms service station. (See - advertising works!)

It was about period poverty, and how women and girls throughout the world lack the access to sanitary products or safe, private toilets for them to use.

Around the world, consequences of period poverty include missing one or more days of school during their periods - and in some areas, girls will miss as much as 20% of their school year, or drop out altogether. The loss of education can mean girls are more likely to be forced into child marriage.

So you see, these things are not a 'nice-to-have', they are a right.

Beyond improving access to the products they need, ActionAid works to educate girls about their bodies - including information about periods, sex and pregnancy.

A period should not hold a girl back in her life or education, and your donations can help to remove a barrier that we rarely face in the UK.

Another facet to their work is ending violence against women and girls. One in three women worldwide will experience physical violence or sexual abuse in her lifetime, most likely at the hands of someone she knows.

We've seen the stories in the UK about violence and attacks on women. These crimes are horrific, but our system is better equipped to combat these issues. Other places are not so fortunate, and they face further atrocities like female genital mutilation and child marriage.

ActionAid works with communities to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls and create long-term change for good. They fund women's groups and networks across the world, who train parents, teachers, local police and legal advisers to recognise the signs of violence and to report it.

I couldn't think of a better charity to support at the Royal Parks Half Marathon.

On a personal note, my running journey has had its stops and starts, but I am excited to be back out there pounding the pavement as I train for this race. Knowing that I'm running for ActionAid, and for all those who kindly donate to my page, will help me across the finish line on 13th October - just two days after the International Day of the Girl.

Thank you.

Love,

Lizzie

Thank you for supporting my fundraising in aid of ActionAid.

ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Their dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. They are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want. To find out more about their work, please visit www.actionaid.org.uk

Your donation will be sent directly to ActionAid in a fast and secure way. Thank you for your incredible support.