Purplewave 2026? Challenge accepted.

Next month, I’m taking on the Purplewave 10K alongside hundreds of colleagues and students from across the University of Manchester.

This may come as a surprise to anyone who saw me immediately after last year's race – yes, I do remember loudly declaring "Never again!" to anyone that came within a few feet of me. But I've always been one to rise to the challenge for a good cause... so I'm lacing up my running shoes once more.

And this year, I'm fundraising for a place that's particularly close to my heart: Manchester Museum's amazing Vivarium.

It's a little unusual for a museum to care for live animals, but the Vivarium has housed live amphibians and reptiles – including many critically endangered species – for over 50 years.

It's no secret that I'm a bit of a frog fanatic. These these tiny creatures are fascinating (and undeniably adorable), but they're also facing huge challenges – from climate change to habitat loss and diseases which are decimating populations around the world.

That's where the Vivarium comes in. From within the walls of Manchester Museum, a dedicated team of herpetologists is carrying out vital conservation work – studying these species, working with global partners in Panama and Costa Rica, establishing safety-net populations, and giving them a fighting chance.

They're taking bold action to tackle a global challenge. The least I can do is run 10K to support them.

If you can, please consider supporting me – whether that's with a donation, by sharing this page, or cheering from the side lines.