Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for TB Alert.  I believe their work has a genuine impact to lives both in the UK and abroad in tackling this infectious and debilitating disease.

I want to challenge myself and make a difference in the fight against Tuberculosis.   So, I am attempting to climb the world’s highest free standing mountain in the year I turn 50!  I have no experience and I’m not the fittest so this will be a huge challenge for me.  In the words of the late great JFK - ‘we choose to do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard’. The lack of oxygen and the dangers posed whilst ascending will remind and inspire me with every step of how people suffering this disease feel every day of their lives.

TB, Consumption, The White Death - all names given to the disease which affects over 10 million people each year, killing approximately 2 million.  Although now in the modern world this is a completely curable disease, it remains a globally infectious pathogen which is quickly becoming multi-drug resistant even in developed European nations.   It is most common with those living in poverty with poor immune systems and those with no access to care; the poor and the disadvantaged.   TB does not respect or confine itself to age, class, position or wealth.

Why raise funds for TB Alert?   Because this charity raises awareness and increases access to effective treatment supporting people in the UK and abroad.   TB Alert also provides medication, education and support in a way that tangibly saves lives every day of every year.  

In the 7 days I will spend on Mount Kilimanjaro, 26,500 people will of die of TB.  This puts into context the scale of the issue TB Alert is trying to solve.  TB has probably affected all of our families in some way perhaps presently, in the past or the distant past.  

Please help me to help those who cannot help themselves.  £25.00 will provide full treatment for a patient, however anything you can give will help save lives and your donation is very much appreciated.  

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you very much.

Jonny.