So, I've finally come out of the denial stage where the only worries I had were not washing properly for 8 days and whether to invest in a she-pee. Now I realise that this is happening, I will actually be climbing Kilmanjaro in January.

I'm told 'it's easy' by many people who haven't done it and hate camping! I hear the worst is freezing cold nights and scorching days, altitude sickness, volcanic dust, sleep deprivation, tents you can't sit up in to put your boots on.

I am part of a four women team. Beverley, Julie and Clare all have young children with Down syndrome and I can't think of a better way to make each step worthwhile and less painful then to raise money for this fantastic charity, Down Syndrome Extra 21 which helps to promote equal opportunities for people with Down syndrome and offer support to them and their families.

So... thank you so much for reading this and I hope you will help to spread the message about this wonderful charity.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please dig deep and donate now.