So, the journey has begun. The couch to Kilimanjaro is a long and painful journey. It’s not just about conquering the mountain, it’s the seemingly never ending journey before I even make it as far as the airport; and even then, I can only give it my best shot... and hope. 

Which is why I have chosen this symbolic challenge to raise much needed awareness and funds for PARENTAL ALIENATION.  I love a bit of symbolism. Any alienated parent, Grandparent or other family members who are missing precious pieces of their families through alienation will tell you, it’s a long, painful journey in the valley, with no guarantee of ever reaching the summit... But we try. We pray... and we never lose hope that one day, our children will come home.

Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world, at 5,895 meters. Known as “The roof of Africa”, the continents highest peak and one of the worlds ‘7 highest peaks’. She’s a dormant volcano who ran out of steam about 150,000 years ago, and her ice fields and glaciers are shrivelling up, so she’s weathering a rough climate storm. Perhaps there’s room for a bit more symbolism here? Fortunately, I still have enough puff for the both of us... and I’m not shrivelled up enough to give up yet! 

You’ll be able to follow my journey over at: gemmasmovingmountains@blogspot.com             **COMING SOON**

*14th January 2023 is the date set to step foot in Tanzania with many peaks and valley’s before then. I am funding my entire challenge myself - the trek/flights etc.