Update: I am now back at a normal altitude after reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro a few days ago. In the end my friend and I climbed via the Machame route, which is a harder route than normal but is known to offer spectacular views of the mountain. Reaching the summit gave me a massive buzz but I couldn't have done it without knowing that the money I raised was going to such a good cause, especially when I was suffering from altitude sickness and nursing sore toes! So thank you so much to everyone who has donated so generously; I am so grateful and you have helped the childrens' ward at Ocean Road Cancer Hospital a great deal...

In October I am travelling to Tanzania to work in a Paediatric Oncology (children's cancer) department at Ocean Road Cancer Institute. As you might imagine, they don't have enough funds for vitally important equipment and medicines such as chemotherapy drugs... So after my placement I am exchanging hot showers and hair straighteners for mud, backpacks and extreme altitude : ).