<p>I love a good challenge and this is certainly a 'good challenge'! The challenge is getting to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world, the good part is that I intend to raise &pound;5000 for the work of Mercy Ministries UK- a cause close to my heart as both my wife, Arianna and my sister-in-law, Debbie work for Mercy.</p> <p>Mercy Ministries UK operates a 22 bed home in West Yorkshire for young women aged 18-28 with life controlling issues such as eating disorders, self harm and depression. &nbsp;The young women follow a six month residential Christian discipleship programme as well as receive life skills training, life coaching and general care and support to overcome the root causes of their issues and learn to apply tools for a better future. &nbsp;MMUK offer this service completely free of charge.</p> <p>My sister-in-law Debbie graduated from the Mercy programme in America 10 years ago and now works on staff in the UK home, so I have seen the benefits of the work of Mercy Ministries in my own family.</p> <p>MMUK have just finished their new extension project and will be increasing their intake from 10 girls to their full capacity of 22 by the end of 2011. &nbsp;This &pound;5000 Kilimanjaro challenge will go towards making that growth happen and help give more girls like Debbie an opportunity to overcome their issues and reach their full potential.</p> <p>Thank you for your support!</p> <p>Matthew</p>