Many of you who visit this page would have had the pleasure of knowing Michelle Dunne. I first met Michelle in May 2006 when we both started work at the University of Glamorgan. Michelle and I became good friends outside of work; she was a beautiful person, inside and out, an absolute character. We laughed lots, we put the world to rights and we shared a good few nights out! Michelle's giggle will stay with me always. As she'd say "We don't go far Mel, but we have a laugh".

Tragically Michelle lost her battle with cancer last year, aged just 32. Michelle battled for over two years and showed incredible braveness throughout.

Cancer has taken Michelle from her 3 year old daughter, Ava. Her younger twin sisters Melanie & Julie, from her Mum & Dad, the rest of her family and her countless friends. Michelle's family and friends meant the world to her and I know they thought the world of her too.

Michelle always put everyone else before herself, even towards the end of her fight when she was seriously ill and in an incredible amount of pain, she always stayed positive no matter what life continued to throw at her.

With Michelle’s courage and bravery in mind and with the full support of her family, I am taking on the Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge in May 2012, in Michelle’s Memory. This involves climbing Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen-Y-Fan all within 24 hours.

For those of you who know me, you will know I have trouble getting up small bankings and verges (seriously!) In fact I was once with Michelle and fell up (yes.. up!) a banking, at which she was hysterical! When telling my mother of this challenge her words were "Mel, you're not safe on your feet" This should give you an insight and some idea of the scale of this for me! Oh yes....and I'm afraid of heights!!

There are so many reasons for me not to take on this challenge but there is ONE major reason TO DO IT and that is Michelle and this far outweighs how seriously scared I am!

Michelle was one in a million. I know everyone who met Michelle will remember her beautiful smile and her passion for life. I hope I can do Michelle and her family proud. Although I’m under no illusion that she would have a good old giggle at the thought of me climbing mountains! (as you probably are too!)

With your support, I hope that we can raise as much money for Cancer Research Wales in Michelle's memory as we possible can!

If you are able to sponsor me, I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my page.

Melanie x