Whilst attending a local networking event I was inspired by a group of influential women from in and around York, who had signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro over a period of 8 days this coming January for Charities close to their hearts. I decided that having just announced Door 84 as the Principal York Hotel first Charity of the Year this seemed a fitting time to set myself a personal challenge and raise funds for a worthwhile Charity.

Door 84 is a registered charity based in York, providing activities and life experiences for young people aged 8 – 25. With an overwhelming response from the people of York via our social media channels Door 84 became our first ever charity of the year for 2018.

As well as raising funds for a worthy local charity providing young people with new outlets and diverse opportunities, which otherwise they may never have, and could ultimately provide them with life-changing skills and endless possibilities it has also become a huge personal challenge and I am really enjoying preparing for this.

Having recently had a training weekend where we walked throughout the night to the summit of Mount Snowdon in Wales, I perhaps underestimated what is ahead of me, and whilst I reached the summit I personally struggled on the climb and have had to intensify the training necessary to ensure I reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.