In January 2026, I’ll be taking on the Arctic Challenge – trekking through snow and ice in freezing conditions. If you know me, you’ll know there are few things I hate more than being cold… so this is a big one for me!

But I’m doing it for a cause that really matters, the National Literacy Trust. They work to make sure children and families across the UK have the literacy skills they need to thrive. I’ve seen first-hand how hard it can be for some people to find time or space for reading when life is full of other worries, particularly financial, but being able to read and communicate confidently can completely change someone’s future.

The money we're raising will help us to transform the life stories of children living in the UK's most disadvantaged communities. On average, children from the poorest backgrounds start school with literacy skills that are 19 months behind their more privileged peers. Children without these skills will be 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 struggle to read as adults

- Twice as likely to be unemployed aged 34

- Three times more likely to have mental health problems as adults

With your support, we can change this, empowering every child with the literacy skills they need to succeed and breaking the cycle of poverty and low literacy.

So, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone (and into the snow!) to raise money and awareness for this brilliant charity. I want to show my 6-year-old son how important it is to do things for others, and that we can be brave do hard things when it’s for something we really believe in.

And it really will be a challenge! The 4-day trip involves a 35k dog sled race, 20k hike, ice fishing and orienteering, all while staying in a lodge with no heating or hot water...

Every penny will help more children and families find joy and confidence through words. If you can, please support me – it would mean the world ❤️

Donate now to support the National Literacy Trust