Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

I am trekking for 5 days in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco, to the summit of the Mighty Mount Toubkal (13,671 feet), North Africa's highest peak.  This challenge is being taken up by 33 girls (Mums!) from various parts of the country and will include some of the most demanding conditions in North Africa.  Each day will be intensive trekking from 6am with at least 6-8 hours per day covering between 12-14km.  The final day we will reach the summit and will involve 10-12 hours covering 20km.  I am funding the cost of the trek myself, so all sponsorship will go totally to the charity.

The purpose of the trek is to raise vital funds for the "Get A-Head" charity, specifically to fund a junior doctor/PHd medical student to do a 3 year intensive research programme into the extremely rare form of thyroid cancer - Familial Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (FMTC).  There is no treatment for this cancer once it is diagnosed, apart from surgically removing tumours as they develop.  Therefore, life expectancy is short.  The disease attacks children and adults and can present itself at birth.  This intensive research programme will investigate the genetic patterns causing the disease.  This will then enable those at risk of developing FMTC to undertake preventative treatment and ultimately save lives.  It will also prevent regular invasive and extremely unpleasant tests on those at risk.

Although this condition is very personal to me, as Tom, Jack, Maddie and Ted have all been at risk of developing FMTC, other families with the same condition will also benefit.  The trek will also raise the profile of "Get A-Head" which is a small charity dedicated to supporting both adults and children with head and neck diseases, specifically cancer.

We have an overall target for the trek of over £50,000.  Each participant has a target of £1,500.  Your support will help us achieve this target.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me.  "Get A-Head" will received your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid will also be paid.

So please sponsor me now!

Many Many thanks for your support.

Sam

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