Three years ago, I took part in Action Aid's 137 Challenge for the first time and committed to completing 137 sit-ups each day through the month of October. It seemed like a very long month! But the results were worth it. I exceeded my fund-raising challenge by some margin.

Why 137?

Because that appalling statistic represents the approximate number of women killed violently around the world, each and every day of the year.

This year I'm hoping to complete the Challenge again. Yes, it's sit-ups again. And yes, it's going to be long month again! But I've been a supporter of Action Aid's excellent work around the world for almost forty years. This year, their work through ActionAid Palestine has been a beacon of hope in the face of the unfolding genocide in Gaza. There, as elsewhere, Action Aid's aims are:

❤️ To end violence against women and girls;

❤️ To promote women’s economic empowerment; and

❤️ To champion women’s rights and leadership during humanitarian crises.

I hope you will join me in supporting their vital work throughout the world.

Thank you for your incredible support.