*******************UPDATE 05/09/10***************************

First of all I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone that has sponsored me, I've been blown away by the support I've received, and in the darkest moments on the mountain (and there were some dark ones, let me tell you), the thought of everyone back home rooting me on kept me going, one foot in front of the other.

I've now been back in the UK for a week and the magnitude of what I, along with Kate and Carina my two pals, achieved is finally sinking in. Out of 100 people that climb Kilimanjaro daily in the peak season, only half make it to the summit. But we did it. We bloody did it!

*******************UPDATE 13/08/10***************************

IT'S TODAY!!!!

Today, Friday the 13th, I leave for my trek up Kilimanjaro - some may say that's bad luck, I say bring it on! (and thank god for insurance)

I am all vaccinated, packed and ready to roll. This is it guys.

WISH ME LUCK,

Sydney (currently in possession of all her limbs)

*******************UPDATE 11/08/10***************************

It's now just 2 days before I leave and I am currently at 99% of my total fundraising target. Huzzah! And many, many thanks to all who have donated.

The nerves are now gone and I am just really, truly excited about getting going now. I am swotting up about the history of Kilimanjaro - reading everything I can get my mitts on. I will be a walking Kilipedia by the time I get back.

Doing a bit of last minute shopping today, going to buy insect repellent by the kilo! Also on the lists are some flip flops- for chilling out on the beach in Zanzibar after the trek.

That's it for now, will update once more before I leave on Friday. Wish me luck!

***************UPDATE 06/08/10*******************************

In exactly one week today I will be making my way to the airport. The mixture of excitement and anxiety is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. In as much as I cannot wait to go, I am also absolutely petrified. 

In the last few weeks I have started having visions of myself falling over/down stairs/ out of bed and breaking my legs, so that I can't to Kilimanjaro. And, just in case these are psychic visions, I have been avoiding loose paving stones, holding on to handrails and taking extra care doing everything.

And if I ever get too freaked out about what I'm about to attempt, a little bit of Monty Python reminds me it could be worse! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46btEgKmCTo

**************UPDATE 28/07/10********************************

When I tell people that I'm climbing Kilimanjaro (in under 3 weeks eeek!) one of things I'm often asked is if I'm an experienced mountain climber. The answer to this is no. But I'm likely to tell you all about my Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and how much I love climbing/walking/nature/all of the above. The truth is that those treks were about 7 years ago now, and that I haven't done this kind of climbing for a very, very long time.

So, to prove that my legs are still in working order and will cover the kind of distance required for Kilimanjaro, me and my trekking buddies Kate and Carina embarked on a weekend of hiking in the Dorking area. Over 2 days we walked around the Surrey 3 peaks, covering Box Hill (practically a mountain in itself) and around 26 miles. We had some near misses with some pesky dirt bikers trying to run us down, and got lost more than once - though we refused to admit this to ourselves or kind passing strangers.

What we learned:

1. Do not get in the way of a dirt bike, it will mow you down.

2. You must say 'Hi' in a high-pitched voice to any passing walker, it's the code - if you don't they will send the dirt bikes after you.

3. If in doubt, just keep walking - you'll get there eventually.

4. It's a bloody good job that we'll have a guide taking us up the mountain as we can't navigate for peanuts.

5. Our legs can take at least 2 days of consecutive walking and not fall off!

All in all a successful hike. I have uploaded some photos of our walk on the left hand side - check them out, and don't forget to donate!

Hello, hello, hello!

So you've probably heard by now, or maybe you haven't, but on 14th August I will be attempting to climb the biggest mountain in all of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro. Am I crazy? Quite possibly...

At 19,334 feet above sea level and the fourth highest free standing mountain in the world, this will be no mean feat. I will be battling extreme temperatures, altitude sickness, fatigue, blisters, farting (yes farting! A major side effect of adjusting to altitude) and of course, those pesky mosquitoes. But I shall be doing it all with a smile on my face and two of the best pals a girl could ask for, Kate and Carina.

So what's all this in aid of? I am hoping to raise £1,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. The Royal Marsden Hospital treats 40,000 patients every year and is internationally renowned for its ground-breaking work in patient care, researching new drug therapies and treatment.

I have paid for the whole trek myself, so every single penny will go directly to the charity to help the The Royal Marsden continue to do it's wonderful work. Please dig as deep as you can, every little does help - and don't forget to tick the Gift Aid box if you are a UK taxpayer.

I will continue to update this page in the run up to my trek, so keep checking back, and every time you chuckle at the thought of me huffing and puffing up a mountain - donate some more!

Many Thanks and Much Love to you all,

Sydney