I have been roped into walking up Ben Nevis thanks to an old colleague - Clare McDougall. We worked together around 10 years ago, and we are back together both for this trip but also to provide wider help for Phoenix Enterprises Limited. Clare is CEO of Phoenix - a charity which provides an essential and vital safety net for adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems. They support those with everyday challenges to do hand assembly jobs for other businesses. Their small dedicated team of staff and volunteers ensure that every individual is given the opportunity to realise their full potential, which for many means finding paid employment, coming off benefits for the first time, living independently and making their way in the world. They focus on what each individual service user CAN DO - not what their condition or disability means they can't do.

I'm supporting Clare with a fundraising strategy for Phoenix, not realising that taking on Scotland’s most iconic mountain was part of the deal! Ben Nevis is 1,345m high and it will be a challenging trek requiring endurance and physical fitness - not something I'm used to these days! It will be a tough climb, with harsh weather and 2 nights in a youth hostel! It will be hard, and it will be a huge achievement for me but I'm driven to do it for those who need an extra helping hand. Please inspire me with your donation, and support a worthy small charity. Thank you.