Updated on Jan 27th 2013 at 2:11 PM from the JustGiving API

Back from the mountain today and delighted to say we both made the summit but it was the toughest 16 hours of my life physically and mentally. Amazing beauty but brutal. Pics to follow x

On 21st January 2013, I will be part of a group on a 7 day trek aiming to summit the highest peak in Africa at 5,895m (19,341ft), Mount Kilimanjaro. I'm doing this in support of a local cause in the fight against something that touches most of us in one way or another - The Beatson Pebble Appeal

This is a £10m campaign to build a facility in Glasgow to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into improved outcomes for people affected by cancer. With a wealth of experience in cancer research and a high incidence of the disease the city is strategically important in the fight against cancer.

http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/givingtoglasgow/beatsonpebbleappeal/abouttheappeal/

Despite how it looks in the photo, I've been warned it is more than the height of two giraffes. I'm no climbing expert or fitness machine, but I will try my very best.

January is a tough month as we all wait for pay day after Christmas but please give anything you can. My employer, Morgan Stanley, has a very generous scheme that will match anything that is raised. Donations are made through Univ. of Glasgow Trust but I will ensure they go to the pebble appeal on submission.