My 41st marathon takes me to Cairo, Egypt—running along the Pyramids of Giza for the duration of the 42.2km. This week’s run is for WaterAid, a charity dedicated to transforming lives across Africa and beyond through the power of clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene.

What is the struggle?

Across Africa, millions of people live without access to clean water. Children walk for miles every day, with some areas, such as Narok district in southwest Kenya, journeys may be up to 25 kilometres to fetch water that often isn’t safe to drink. Without clean water, families can’t stay healthy, children miss out on education, and communities are held back from building a better future. It’s not just about thirst—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and survival.

Why am I running for this cause?

Because clean water is the foundation of life. It’s something I’ve always been able to take for granted—turning on a tap, filling a glass, having a shower after a run. Yet for so many, these everyday actions are literally impossible. Running for WaterAid is my way of trying to help change that reality—because every person deserves the right to safe water, no matter where they’re born.

What is WaterAid and what do they do?

WaterAid is an international charity working across Africa. They bring clean water to villages, build safe toilets, and teach communities about hygiene. Their work not only saves lives, but also frees up time for children to attend school, helps women and girls gain independence, and creates healthier, stronger communities.

Your donation directly changes lives:

• £10 can provide soap and hygiene kits to a family.

• £25 helps install a tap in a community.

• £50 contributes to building a safe toilet block for a school.

• £100 supports a village to access clean water for generations.

Please donate to WaterAid and help bring clean water, dignity, and opportunity to families across Africa. For more info: www.wateraid.org/uk