I am taking up the challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest mountain above sea level in the world (5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level. Some references even suggest that Kilimanjaro is harder than Everest base camp! The success rate for climbers is 65% and a common reason for failure is serious altitude and mountain sickness. The climb therefore requires months of preparation and is a test of determination, grit and commitment. It’s difficult to do it alone but I’m lucky to do it with 6 other feisty, determined and inspiring women who are committed to not just making this climb a success but also to support the cause of improving lives of women with Breast Cancer. 

We are doing this climb to support Breast Cancer Kent, which is a charity supporting projects, equipment and research supporting the work of the NHS Medical Teams at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Breast Care Units and Kent Oncology Centre. On this occasion, we are doing this climb to help raise £100,000 for buying a fantastic and state-of-the-art equipment for the pathology team that process the tissue removed at Breast surgery. This machine called Faxitron will transform the pathway of care for Breast cancer patients by significantly speeding up the turn around times for providing pathology results, so that women can get timely results and therefore treatment. Women with Breast cancer know that  time is of essence and without sounding cliché, timely results and treatment will save lives. We couldn’t be more proud of doing this climb for such a worthy cause. We have personally covered all the costs of the climb, so any donations will go directly to Breast Cancer Kent.

As for me, this is going to be a huge challenge, both personally and physically. Notwithstanding the 8 days of physical climbing, worsening altitude sickness as you climb, camping for 8 days with negligible facilities, no showers or make up but importantly, this climb will take me out of all my comfort zones in every way. I’m a passionate advocate of supporting the cause for women in every aspect of life, including improving lives of women affected by Breast cancer. This inspiring cause will help me to persevere to achieve success in this mountain climb. I’m also doing this climb for my amazing Dad, who was the inspiration behind me becoming a Consultant Surgeon and I recently lost him to cancer. 

Thank you for supporting me with this worthy cause and I am very grateful for your donations. I will keep you all updated with my training and preparation for this challenging trek over 8 days , my trials, tribulations and the fun..