On February 1st, I will be lining up at the start line of the Warwick Half Marathon.

While I’ve run 10ks and regular 5ks before, stepping up to 21km (13.1 miles) is a completely different beast. I am aiming for a sub-2 hour time - a goal that currently has me feeling equal parts determined and nervous!

To get ready, I’ve been training through the harsh winter months. If you’ve seen someone running early in the morning in -4°C on snowy and icy roads, that may have been me! It’s been gruelling, but every freezing mile is worth it to support a cause I am passionate about.

Who are the IAAAE? I am fundraising for the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE).

The IAAAE is a unique body of professionals who volunteer their time and technical expertise to deliver humanitarian aid. We don't just send money; we send architects, engineers, and technical consultants to build infrastructure, solar energy systems, and clean water solutions.

Why I am involved? I am a member of the IAAAE and I am supporting this project by providing input on both engineering and scaling. Due to my involvement, I see firsthand that this organization is run almost entirely by dedicated & passionate volunteers. I can say with confidence that your donations are going directly to the initiative, not to administration costs or salaries.

The Project: Sustainable Food Security We are applying engineering rigour to the problem of hunger.

• Real Impact: Last year, IAAAE International's farms produced 50 tonnes of food, providing the equivalent of 28,000 meals.

• Education: We launched a farming course in Nigeria, training over 20 local farmers in sustainable cultivation.

The 2026 Vision: We are raising £50,000 to scale this proven model. Your donation will help us:

1. Scale Up: Produce enough food to meet the energy needs of 100,000 meals.

2. Expand Land: Initiate a groundbreaking 1,000-hectare farming project.

3. Create Jobs: Launch a food processing plant in early 2026 to add value to the produce and create local employment.

I’m braving the Warwick winter to help build a sustainable future for these communities. Please donate what you can - every penny helps.