In October 2010 I will be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, which stands at a mighty 5896m. This is going to be quite a challenge for me - not least because the only thing I've scaled before now is the staircase leading up to my first floor flat.

Reaching the top of Kilimanjaro will involve six days of trekking through all weather conditions, possible altitude sickness (hello nose-bleeds and hallucinations!), and a gruelling 13 hour climb through the night to reach the snow-capped summit. This being the case, and as you can see from the above picture, it will also involve wearing some truly terrifying performance outerwear. It seems there really is no way to climb a mountain without looking like you're also pulling a bank job.

During these tough financial times, anything you can give, however small, would be greatly appreciated. I will be raising money for Mind, the charity that works to improve the life of people who experience mental or emotional distress by providing information, advice and support to them and their carers. It's something I believe is a very deserving, yet often overlooked and underfunded cause.

Thank you for your support!