When I’m on dry land I’m passionate about all things equine - and animal welfare issues - and have owned, ridden and been involved with horses all my life. I edited the Arab Horse Society News, produced by the Arab Horse Society of Great Britain, and contributed to equine titles including Horse & Hound.

In 2002 I took part in the first overseas challenge ride in Egypt organised by Brooke,  the charity that protects and improves the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules in developing countries, and since then have taken part in rides in Mongolia, India,  Iceland, Jordan, Eswatini and Northern Sweden to raise money for the Brooke and World Horse Welfare. I’ve also completed running events including the London Marathon and inaugural 2014 Dopey Challenge - a 5km, 10km, half and full marathon over four days - at Florida’s Walt Disney World to fundraise for equine charities. Over the years I have raised more than £30,000.