I have worked for 1625 Independent People since 1996 and have done many fundraising events but have never had the chance to do something as challenging as this. When I was first told about this opportunity, a friend asked me if I was going to do it. I said no because I was worried about how my knees would manage on the descent. Her answer, as an OT was to send me some knee exercises! I am currently not the fittest person in the world, so this is going to be the most gruelling and challenging thing I have ever done.

I have paid for all my travel costs and am trying to raise £5k by trekking one of the Big 5 at the age of 55.

You can help by donating a multiple of 5 be it £5, £15, £25, £50 or even a monkey (£500)!

1625 Independent People helps support young people and care leavers who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or who have failed or been failed in education. The aim is to get young people away from dependence into independence and that is why the organisation was named this way.

Your fundraising will provide services that cannot be funded elsewehere but are imperative to helping a young person realise and then use their strengths to meet their aspirations, be it through mental health and wellbeing support, education or access to employment opportunities.

Be part of the 5!