Bristol mum's gruelling African 10k run
Cath Hickman, 36, who lives in Filton Park, said completing the road race would be a giant leap out of her comfort zone but she is determined to raise funds for development work in the country.
Mrs Hickman, who works in a playgroup, will also be doing some volunteer work in the capital Addis Ababa with children and young people affected by Aids.
She said: "I'd been doing some work with HOPE International Development Agency, they work in many poor countries in the world including Ethiopia. Then last year my husband went out and did the run as well as working with a project to aid water development.
"The things he did and saw really affected us and so this year it is my turn.
"I'll be working with schools and children and young people affected by Aids and then I'll culminate the week with the 10k run. We live such a privileged life and so I know this experience will open my eyes. There are an estimated 1 million Aids orphans living in just Addis Ababa –it really makes you think."
As well as coping with the East African heat, Mrs Hickman will also have to contend with the challenge of running at high altitude.
She said: "People are laughing when they hear I am running as it is not my thing at all but hopefully I'll be so inspired by all the people I will have met I'll be determined to do it whether I run, walk or crawl."
Her two sons Jonathan, nine, and Matthew, six, are also helping her to meet her £1,000 fundraising target.
"Last year Jonathan helped to raise money and did a sponsored book read that made almost £700, this year he's desperately helping me with my target.
"We've told them both about the children in Ethiopia and Matthew has offered some of his toys to take for them. I'm really excited about this opportunity."
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