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Depending on which way I look at it I have either bravely or foolishly agreed to climb Mt Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains to support Mental Health UK. 

At 4,167m high, Mount Toubkal, also know as Jebel Toubkal, is North Africa’s highest peak. Set in the High Atlas Mountain range in Morocco. It offers a challenging yet rewarding trek - the critical thing i have noticed when reading about the trek is that there is roughly 40% less oxygen at the top compared to at sea level and that the temperatures will vary significantly over the duration of the trek. The trek will take place over 3 days with us trekking over tough terrain.   

Many people will wonder why I have nominated myself to do this, first of all those who know me understand that I love a challenge, but more importantly I feel passionately about the Mental Health of children and young adults. 

Young people are critical to the future success of this country, but they’ll only realise their full potential if they believe in themselves, in a world full of social media Mental Health issues are increasing in children. 

3 children in everyclassroom now have a diagnosable mental health disorder and 90% of school leaders have reported an increase in the last 5 years in the number of students experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. Furthermore it is reported that 75% of Mental Health issues start before an individuals 18th birthday.

Mental Health UK last year launched their Bloom programme with the support of funds raised by Lloyds Banking Group colleagues. The bloom programme is aimed at 14-18 year olds which focuses on supporting young people's mental health resilience, and this is why I want to raise money for this really worthwhile cause.

I have young children myself and I know the pressure that they are put under, protecting their minds at this young age is so important to their future. 

Lloyds Banking Group will be covering the full costs of the challenge and have also agreed to double the first £500 raised so all money raised will go directly to Mental Health UK. 

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