If you've ever wondered what would possess a reasonably sensible person to voluntarily climb three mountains in one day, the answer is... I'm still trying to figure that out.

This September, I'll be taking on the Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for DKMS, and somewhere between agreeing to it and now, I've realised that "it'll be a nice walk" may have been the biggest lie I've ever told myself.

Apparently, climbing the equivalent of several staircases to the moon (slight exaggeration... I hope) while surviving on flapjacks, determination, and questionable life choices is considered "a challenge." Who knew?

The blisters will be real. The sore legs will be legendary. There's a very good chance I'll be having full-blown conversations with sheep by peak number three. But every painful step is for a cause that's deeply personal to me.

Fifteen years ago, I lost my dad after his battle with blood cancer. His strength and courage have stayed with me every day since, and taking on this challenge is my way of honouring his memory while supporting a charity that's working to give other families more time with the people they love.

DKMS helps find lifesaving stem cell donors for people with blood cancer and blood disorders, giving hope to patients and their families. If me getting spectacularly out of breath on three mountains can help raise money and awareness for that mission, then every aching muscle, blister, and complaint will be worth it.

So, if you'd like to support a fantastic cause—and reward my questionable decision-making with a donation—I would be incredibly grateful. Every pound helps. Every share spreads the word. Every message of encouragement will give me something to think about when I'm halfway up a mountain wondering whose bright idea this was.

Thank you for helping me do something positive in my dad's memory. It means more than I can put into words.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some hills to practise on... and possibly a serious conversation with my knees.