In September I will be taking part in Spartathlon. It's a race that commemorates the journey taken by Pheidippides in 490 BC. He was sent by the Athenians to ask their allies in Sparta for help in the war against an invading army from the East.

The race starts at the Acropolis in Athens and finishes in Sparta. To finish runners touch the foot of the statue of King Leonidas. The route from Athens to Sparta is 153 miles (246km), primarily on road, to be undertaken nonstop on foot. According to the historian Herodotus, Pheidippides set out first thing in the morning, and arrived in Sparta by the end of the next day, so for the race we do the same, starting at 7am and needing to finish by 7pm the next day (i.e. complete the distance in less than 36 hours).

Given the acute humanitarian crisis created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I would like to support the Ukraine Charity who are fundraising for emergency medical supplies for Ukrainians. Many of my colleagues at work are in Ukraine, their resolve through out the war has been inspiring.

The funds will be used to procure medicines and medical equipment from UK and European suppliers. Donations have already been used to purchase trauma treatment packages, and the list of others essentials to be supplied is growing rapidly.

A team of volunteers is currently liaising with the Ukrainian national healthcare system and verified local NGOs on the one side, and with suppliers that can address these needs on the other side. The current focus is on first aid. Critical supplies to be secured at the next stage include portable ventilators, patient monitors, defibrillators, ultrasound diagnostic devices, first aid kits and emergency surgery equipment.

Important: you can use GiftAid if you're a UK taxpayer, which will be added to your donation!

Ukraine Charity is a registered charity in the UK. Charity Registration No. 1163036