Thanks for taking the time to look at my JustGiving page.

I'm Jon Kind, and I'm raising funds for a charity that's close to my heart - the Down's Syndrome Association.

I've learnt everything I know about Down's syndrome in the last few years from 3 very special people in my life, Hayley and her daughters, Mia and Natty. They have taught me that pretty much everything I thought I knew about the condition was wrong!

Far from all being loving and musical, Natty, who has an extra chromosome, has shown me that every individual who has the condition is completely unique. She has the biggest personality I have ever known! As well as being the family champion in loud burping competitions.

This charity that I'm climbing Kilimanjaro for, provides incredible support for anyone in the UK who has Down's syndrome as well as their families, throughout their lives.

From a free helpline, to access to sport and work, resources for school and training for midwives they quietly work tirelessly to make the world a better place for people who have Down's syndrome, as well as campaigning for more equitable healthcare and education.

At the same time as raising money for this amazing national charity, I now have the opportunity to push myself both physically and mentally as I train over the course of the next few months.

I've overcome a lot of challenges in my personal life having served in the Navy for 24 years and being a single Dad to an amazing young lady Chloe. Like many of you, I've also experienced lots of difficult life experiences in between.

I want to prove to myself and the world, that at 55 years old and with plenty of life scars, that I can still climb summits I haven't scaled before.

In January 2025 I will be part of a team of people, all with the same aim, all of them are strangers at this point. But we have the same goal, and we all hope to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and raise lots of money for the Down's Syndrome Association.

This feat of endurance will bring us together, and it will teach us lessons that we will carry forward for the rest of our lives.

Most importantly we will raise money and awareness to help keep the Down's Syndrome Association doing the incredible work it does.

Please give whatever you can afford. Every £1 helps.

[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.]