On March 1st 2020 I have set myself the challenge to trek 100km through high altitude volcanos in Ecuador as a part of a group of 100 HSBC colleagues. This trip is completely self funded. Our mission is to successfully complete the trek and , in doing so, raise money for a mental health organization. The charity I have chosen is Mind because I believe in their missing that no one should face a mental health problem alone. With the right support and information people can overcome almost any challenge that life may throw at them.

My motivation to support the cause of mental health is driven by a recent incident in my neighborhood. A teenage girl took her own life after failing to get admission to the college of her choice. Such a waste of a young life is heart breaking to witness and no one should feel that this is the only option open to them. We live in an immensely competitive and digital environment where sometimes it is very easy to slip intro depression due to peer pressures and other factors like not being able to meet expectations of other.

This trek is symbolic to anyone's journey to overcome challenges like these. While my challenges may be mainly physical , there will be mental challenges to overcome too. I will obviously require high levels of fitness and endurance and at times I'm sure I will feel like quitting. I must remain strong mentally and believe in myself if I am to overcome the issues I will face. I will remind myself that no matter how bad things seem right now , things will get better and for this I am sure to need the support of the people around me. During the trek I will be:

- Trekking between 6-8 hrs per day

- Trekking everyday at high altitudes above 3.500 meters

- Reaching a maximum altitude of 4,300 meters (14,108ft) above sea level

- Carrying all the required equipment within a large daypack

- Surviving on basic meals , camping in tents and cut off from all things normally taken for granted such as beds , hot showers , Wi-Fi and , more importantly , my friends and family

Please do sponsor me , Anything you can spare does , and will , make a difference.