My friend is involved with the Edinburgh Swan Shine group. When she explained their mission - to keep girls regularly in school by providing adequate sanitary protection - I was genuinely shocked that I had never considered the importance of this before. On the 1st of September 2018, I'm cycling 500 miles in 7 days round the North West Coast of Scotland with my lovely sister, Amy. It seems fitting to use this as an opportunity to, in some small way, express a broader sisterhood and solidary with women, and raise awareness of this important subject.

The Days for Girls kits shown in these pictures were made by the Swan Shine Edinburgh group using materials donated to them or bought with donations. Each kit is presented in a drawstring bag containing pants, wash cloth and soap, waterproof shields in which reusable absorbent liners are placed, ziplock bags, instructions for use and a menstrual calendar. Each kit will last three years for a girl who might otherwise have no sanitary protection during her period. She may have no sanitary protection either because she cannot afford them or because they are simply not available. Every girl receiving a kit will have received teaching from the local Swan Shine team about her body and her menstrual cycle, personal hygiene, caring for and loving herself, and personal safety. With each kit a girl will be given the chance of three years of dignity, education, work and hope for her future.

Thank you so much for reading this - shine bright! xx

P.S. All the money you donate will go directly to the Edinburgh Swan Shine Group and be used to produce kits.