On 26th January 2011 I am starting my seven day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania hoping to reach the snow-capped summit, Uhuru Peak, just a mere 5,896 meters / 19,340 feet. Sold to me by my dear friend as a once in a lifetime challenge, and with all forms signed and payments made their appears to be no turning back from this rather rash decision. The reward for pushing my limits physically and mentally will be the spectacular views from the roof of Africa and hopefully a great sense of achievement - not to mention a break from the washing, demanding children and messy bedrooms.

On a serious note this provides a great opportunity to raise money for two very worthy causes and any money raised will go towards profoundly deaf children in need of cochlear implantation in the UK and France, and also two Tanzanian schools supporting Aids orphan projects.

Any support you are able to make will be very much appreciated.