There isn't a quick answer to the question ’Why am I trekking Kilimanjaro?’ There are so many reasons. 

They range from getting a personal sense of achievement and a huge tick on my bucket list to simply because I love Africa and its breath taking scenery, wildlife and people. But the biggest reason by far is to raise a mountain load of money for Overgate Hospice. 

The hospice has been close to mine and my families hearts since my grandma was cared for here during her final days in 1994. My dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and died 4 months later, he was a family man and a Calderdale business owner with a heart of gold. Unfortunately he didn’t make it to the hospice at the end of his life, although it was what we all hoped for. Sadly his illness progressed very quickly and he was simply too poorly to be moved. 

Now that I’m working at the hospice I am getting a first-hand understanding and appreciation of what it means to our patients and their families and friends to receive the amazing care we provide. Being able to create special memories at the end is incredibly important. If I can succeed to the summit and do my personal bit to help Overgate continue to provide quality care right to the end for everyone who needs it, I’ll be one very happy lady, and I know my dad would be very proud too.

I also want to show my children (11 & 15) that you can achieve anything if you really put both your mind and heart into it.  I’d love for my experience to encourage their inner sense of adventure and ambition as well as inspire them to give back as they start to think about their own life paths. At the moment they are just scheming about what they are going to do ’whilst mums away walking up a hill’!

I've set myself a huge target to match the enormity Kili. I'd love to raise £5895 - £1 for every metre I'll be climbing. 

The trip is self funded which means every penny donated goes directly to the hospice.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to Overgate Hospice. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.