As many of you know, I am about to go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to trek to Everest Base Camp with my Dad. (That's 5,500 metres above sea level since you ask!)

I am using this trip to raise money for the Myasthenia Gravis Association. Never heard of it? This is why I am raising money - to aid their awareness campaign and research.

Myasthenia Gravis is an auto-immune disease, which is diagnosed most commonly by severe muscle weakness. It is rare and the symptoms vary a great deal, from tiredness to the inability to eat, talk or move. It can be fatal if untreated and at present there is no cure, only treatment.

I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis at the age of 12 when my eye muscle collapsed and spent two years on medication and underwent a thymectomy (that's the scar on my chest if you have wondered but been too polite to ask!). I recovered but recall the frustration and fear that my family went through when doctors were unable to provide answers. Even though they have learnt a lot about the disease since then (yes, it was quite a while ago - I am old!) they still don't have enough answers to prevent a lot of suffering for some people.

I feel so fortunate that I am strong and healthy enough to undertake a trek to Everest Base Camp and hope you will dig deep and sponsor both my father and I as we trek to great heights. The money we raise will help doctors find some answers so other MG sufferers have the opportunity to climb mountains.

For more about MG have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myasthenia_gravis or http://www.mgauk.org/ 

Now for the technical stuff...

It is really easy to donate through this site and it's fast and totally secure. Your details are safe – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I will upload pictures of the trek including the victory picture at base camp (actually the scariest bit is the flight to and from Lukla - one of the world's most dangerous runways) so check back here after you have donated.

Thank you for your support. It means a great deal to me.

Kate x