On the 25th March 2016, all being well, I shall be setting off to (attempt) to climb the world’s highest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro. I am doing so in the hope to raise money in honour of my beloved father Professor John McClatchey who died last year on the 30th of April. He was a very special person indeed. My dad enjoyed Climatology and Meteorology research work, spending time with his family, water polo, dog walking, France, red wine and cooking his speciality of Spaghetti Bolognese.

My dad, although seldom spoke about it, was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in 2003 known as polycythemia vera (PV). Although my dad died from a heart attack, there is no doubt that his health was significantly impacted by this disorder. The causes of PV are still unknown, however research has managed to identify a particular protein (JAK2) mutation, which is present in 95% of sufferers. MPN Voice (formally MPD Voice) is a charity that helps to fund research into PV and other Myeloproliferative disorders, with 70% of donations directly funding research (the other 30% is distributed to patient support, education, fundraising etc.). Therefore, I am climbing Kilimanjaro to raise as much money as possible to donate to this charity in order to help fund further research. All donations will be greatly appreciated no matter how big or small!

Wishing everyone happiness and importantly good health in 2016!
Kirstie x

#KirstieClimbsKili

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