Hey everyone! I'm going to Kenya in February 2013 with Camps International (http://www.campsinternational.com/) to volunteer for two months in the local communities and plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at the end of my trip!  

I am doing this to raise money for AYME (Association of Young People with M.E.). I will be funding the whole thing myself so 100% of donations will go straight to charity. My sister, Jenny, has had M.E. for 8 years. Before this illness struck she was a carefree, happy, energetic 10 year old who ran everywhere (rarely walked!) and lived life to the full. Overnight that was taken away and since then she has missed out on so many things that we all take for granted. I have seen firsthand how disabling, isolating and misunderstood the illness is and how much more research is needed into finding a cause and cure. 

 M.E. is a painful, disabling and isolating illness which affects an estimated 25,000 children and young people across the UK. Symptoms include extreme pain and fatigue in the muscles to the point of collapse, weakened immune systems and severe cognitive problems. M.E can leave children and young people wheelchair or even bed-bound for many years. Many are unable to attend school and become isolated. AYME is their lifeline. AYME is dedicated to the emotional and practical support of children and young people with M.E and their families. Membership is free so AYME relies on fundraising to keep its vital services running. AYME is a lifeline for so many young people including Jenny who has made so many great friends through this charity. 

Jenny still lives life to the full despite her illness. She is so brave and always cheerful. She does a lot of charity work from home including working for AYME sending out birthday cards and newsletters to the children. 

Standing at 19,340’ (5,895 m), Mount Kilimanjaro is the Africa's tallest peak, and the world’s highest freestanding mountain. The climb will take a week and requires a high level of physical fitness and mental determination. I am spending many hours in the gym, at circuits classes and running up and down St Catherine's hilll!  It's going to be a huge challenge - I've never done anything like this before.  So please sponsor me! Any amount big or small will make a difference.

Thank you!! :)

Alice xxx

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