On 21st September I will be embarking on a 'Challenge of a Lifetime' with a group of like minded people to climb the worlds highest free standing mountain Kilimanjaro (5895m) in Tanzania, Africa. It will take me 6 days, we are climbing the Marangu route and it will be one of the hardest physical and mental challenges I have ever had to do. 

I am doing this for my own personal challenge BUT at the same time am hoping to raise as much money as I can for the UK charity 'Mental Health Foundation' dedicated to finding and addressing the sources of Mental Health Problems, a charity very important to me. 

My brother Mark (50) has been troubled with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety since a young teenager which unfortunately has progressed for him over the years to chronic anxiety and debilitating depression. Mark has always had a great passion for mountain walking (which he has taught me a lot about) He's a fantastic map reader and has trekked many places in Wales and Scotland and is also an amazing photographer, things that have brought happiness into sometimes what have been dark and difficult times for him. Unfortunately Mark now struggles to hike like he used to, due to various reasons, which makes me feel very sad. He has been saying to me for a while now as he knows I like a challenge....... 'LORRAINE YOU SHOULD CLIMB KILIMANJARO' ............ SO HERE I AM. I hope I can do my brother proud while at the same time help to raise as much money as I can to help those who live with a Mental Health Illness like my brother. 

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s charity for everyone’s mental health with prevention at the heart of what they do. The Mental Health Foundation aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive. 

Thank-you kindly for your donation (If you are a UK taxpayer please select gift-aid for 25% to be claimed back from government and added to your donation and help me raise even more money!)