For my 50th birthday, I wanted to adopt 50 dogs. Liam won't let me, so the next best thing is helping 50 dogs at Battersea - can you imagine the tail wagging? I can't visit in person because I know I'd want to bring every single one of them home. Liam says I should just move into a kennel there. He might have a point.

I can't really explain how important dogs are to me - and those of you who've loved a dog don't need me to. I've loved them, cared for them, cried with them, fundraised for them, run with them, and cuddled them. In my younger days, some might say I even dated a few, but that's probably a different story.

The day we adopted Bobby is one I'll never forget. Twelve years on, he's still going strong and brings us so much joy. He's been there through the best and worst of it, just as dogs always are. A few years ago, during a really tough time, I was home alone with Bobby. He knew something was wrong. He climbed onto my lap and simply refused to move, just letting me know he was there. He didn't need to understand the details. He just understood what I needed, and that was everything. Millions of people experience that bond every day, and it's something truly extraordinary.

I've supported many charities over the years and I'm in total awe of my friends and what they do for their causes. But Battersea has a special place in my heart. I once slept in the old kennels there - it was cold, and I couldn't bear the thought of any animal in distress. I went on to chair their first corporate advisory board, helped bring in people and funding, organised a sleepover with over 100 participants (it poured with rain all night!), and my team funded a new kennel. On tough days at work, I'd go to Battersea and sit with the puppies. There is no better stress relief, I promise you.

Battersea has been rescuing animals since 1860. They never turn an animal away - providing a safe haven for those who are lost, abandoned, or can no longer be cared for, and carefully matching each one with the perfect forever home. Your donations will help fund expert veterinary care, warm beds, nutritious food, and the incredible staff and volunteers who give everything every single day.

So, no gifts for me please, instead, I'm asking you to help me give the biggest gift of all, to the animals who need us most. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.

We also have some fantastic prizes for everyone who donates by 28 February, including a bottle of wine worth almost £300 courtesy of Winedrops.com.

Thank you, thank you, thank you - for being part of this milestone, and for helping to change lives.