Hello,

Thankyou for visiting my web page.

Another 'O'Connell' challenge I hear you cry - what is it about us??!! This time I'm on my own, well without John, but with several other ladies who like me are going to endeavour to climb the highest mountain in Northern Africa, Mount Toubkal. It's a mere 4,167m high and apparently the route is tough let alone having to deal with any altitude sickness!

Last year I trained to become one of the many volunteer Care Leaving Mentors for The Prince's Trust. I now will be helping young 16 year olds who have not had the support of a family life to hopefully make something of their futures, many of them have suffered abuse, become drug addicts and left school as under achievers.

My personal challenge is to raise at least £2,200 for The Prince's Trust who since 1976 have helped over half a million young people change their lives. Last year alone, The Trust supported 41,680 young people get their lives back on track, but to continue this level of support they need to raise more than £1m a week!

So donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Prince's Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now - apart from anything else I'm sure you'll all have a laugh at my expense when you hear my forthcoming stories of erecting tents and digging holes in ground for what won't be my ensuite bathroom!!

Many thanks for your support.

Valerie O'Connell