Due to my original trip being undersubscribed, I have thought long and hard and decided that I do not want to postpone for a year. I have decided instead to opt for my very close second choice so I will be setting off to climb Kilimanjaro on 27th August this year.

Obviously it is a much harder challenge, particularly with altitude so I will be working very hard to train, also to raise the rest of the money for Willen Hospice.

 My main worry is the very real chance of encountering altitude sickness, closely followed by the fact that I will be without the safety net of my friends and family.

Times are hard and I know that finances are stretched in these difficult times but, if you can only donate a few pennies, it will make a real difference.

Willen Hospice is based in and provides specialist facilities for people with life limiting conditions. Covering and surrounding areas, care is provided within the hospice, in the day hospice, or the patient's own home. Money raised through fundraising helps to provide these services at no cost to patients or their families. The hospice is only partially funded by the NHS and relies on the goodwill and generosity to cover the remaining 75% of their costs.

My family have been lucky enough to have access to their expert and caring help and want to repay their kindness by helping them to help other people in need.

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 the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.