<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page to raise money for MPD Voice.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm setting off on 18th June on this massive challenge to summit the highest mountain in Africa - 5,895m (19,340ft)! Kilimanjaro is the 4th highest of the "Seven Summits" and is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. The trek is scheduled to be a 6 day round-trip with about 6hrs walking each day, except day 5 which is &gt;15hrs!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not entirely sure what I've let myself in for but this is an adventure that I've considered for many years and now that the mid-life crisis has firmly kicked in, it's time for action rather than words!</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>This is a trip run by Exodus for which I am personally meeting all of my costs. All donations to this site will go directly to MPD Voice.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Once you donate through JustGiving, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Any donations will be greatly appreciated!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you</p> <p>Update on 26th June from Kilimanjaro.</p> <p>I reached the top of the mountain on Friday morning after a gruelling climb through the night. This is one of the toughest things I have ever done as it was both a physical and a mental challenge. Still alive and no major injuries to report (just a few aches and pains in my legs and a few cuts and bruises).</p> <p>I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me - I am stunned with the level of support I received in terms of messages of support and also with the generosity of everyone especially with the number of requests for sponsorship that are circulated each year!</p> <p>I would also like to pass on my thanks to two people as without their help I would never have achieved this challenge:-</p> <p>Keith Day - Milligan Hill. Keith is the physio I have been visiting for the last 10 weeks where he has treated injuries to both my achilles and calf. I did not want to make a big issue about these injuries before my trek as that would have been seen as an excuse for not climbing the mountain. Thanks for your help! I will be back for more treatment next week!</p> <p>Ivo Mendes - Personal Trainer at Virgin Active. Ivo has managed to change my fitness levels from very, very, very, very unfit to just unfit!! He has put me through a lot of pain to prepare me for my challenge and that was invaluable although not enjoyable! My next objective is to get fit!</p> <p>More detailed information on trek to follow!!</p>