I believe everybody knows now how much I love mountains, and I'm excited to be able to do it for a great cause once again this year! 

This September, thanks to a kind invite, I am joining my colleagues from Credit Suisse to take part in the Balkan Peak Challenge - summiting the highest mountains in Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro. The challenge involves a week of tough hiking at altitude with steep ascents and descents for 10 hours a day, covering a total distance of 68km, with only very basic facilities along the way.

The aim of the challenge is to raise funds and awareness for St Giles Trust; a charity who aim to empower young people to stay safe, and make positive choices for their futures. 50,000 children in the UK are exploited by gangs every year, and St Giles Trust do fantastic work to educate children on the dangers of gangs, exploitation and knife crime.

Thank you for all your generosity and support! 

Paulina