I'm walking 42km overnight for children facing emergencies.

On 21 November, I’ll be taking on UNICEF Australia’s Dusk to Dawn — a marathon-distance walk across Sydney from North Sydney to Bondi, through the night and finishing at sunrise.

UNICEF has been part of my life for a long time. I first worked for UNICEF in the UK more than 20 years ago, and today I have the privilege of working for UNICEF Australia, so I know first-hand just how important this work is.

When conflict and disasters strike, children are often the most vulnerable. They can lose access to clean water, food, shelter and the care they need to survive.

While I’m walking through the night, UNICEF teams will be working around the clock to deliver lifesaving support to children and families affected by emergencies — including clean water, medical supplies, nutrition and protection.

I should also say that a marathon-distance walk through the night is well outside my usual comfort zone. I am definitely not approaching this as an elite endurance athlete, so this will be a very real challenge for me.

Every step I take, and every dollar donated, will help UNICEF respond quickly when emergencies put children at risk.

I know there are many demands on everyone’s generosity, so I’m genuinely grateful for any support you’re able to give. If you can make a donation, however large or small, it will help deliver urgent, lifesaving care to children who need it most.

Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.