So.... I turned 30 a few months ago, and as I wallowed in the usual single lady response to reaching this milestone, I realised that I've got it pretty good. When my lovely Dad turned 30, he was already experiencing the symptoms of a disease which was to plague his own life and those of everyone who loved him for the following 24 years. At that age, my dad had everything going for him - he was a young surgeon with a promising career ahead of him; he already had one beautiful (and modest) daughter, and there was another one waiting in the wings; he was a talented musician and a keen sportsman.... but life was to change beyond all recognition due to the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. Around 100,000 people in the UK have MS. MS is the result of damage to myelin, a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society is the UK's largest charity for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). It is committed to bringing high standards of quality health and social care within reach of everyone affected by MS and to encourage and support medical and applied research into its cause and control. As young carers for Dad, my sister and I were fortunate to have huge support from family and friends, but many youngsters are not so fortunate and the MS Society is invaluable in providing them with the support they require. In addition, the MS Society runs a number of respite homes to give both sufferers and carers a break, and Dad enjoyed the hospitality at Brambles Respite Home of many occasions. The MS Society, therefore, means a huge amount to me and my family, and I therefore hope to raise as much money for them as possible......

Kilimanjaro is one of the world's largest free-standing mountains, and I am going to climb it..... frankly, if Chris Moyles can do it, then I hope I'm in with a chance, but it will not be easy! It is a gruelling 6 day trek, taking 4.5 days to ascend and 1.5 days to descend. We will be spending each night in tents and I am told that the final ascent will start at about 2am, in the dark, and will be one of the most painful experiences of my life!! For anyone who has seen me try to get up in the morning, you will appreciate just how much of a challenge that final push will be for me.....

I really would be so very grateful for any donations, although I do appreciate that this is a difficult time financially for everyone.....  Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – 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 really appreciate you taking the time to read my blurb, and I will keep you all updated on the training progress and hopefully my eventual success!!

Lots of love

Lx