In August, I will be attempting to complete The Three Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing the three highest peaks in the UK (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) in 24 hours. Despite regularly creating the appearance of being sporty by wearing full lycra at any available opportunity in my day-to-day life, this challenge will constitute rather more exertion than a casual dash round London's central parks. 

So, you ask, why am I doing this?!  Well, it is all in aid of the fantastic charity, Theatre for a Change, which exists for the empowerment of women and girls, specifically working with groups at risk of poor sexual and reproductive health, as well as those who have limited opportunities to assert their gender rights.

In practice, this means that they use theatre to help women in a range of situations to assert themselves and be heard.  This ranges from helping female sex workers to stand up to clients, enabling rural school girls participate in school and supporting young female teachers embarking on their careers. For many of these women, the skills they learn can be essential in protecting themselves from violence, abuse and HIV.

Having grown up in an environment where there was never any question over either the value of my education or the legitimacy of my opinion, I am now climbing these mountains to support women who have not been so fortunate.

If you'd like to support this cause too, please do consider sponsoring me!