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 30 girls (Mums!) from various parts of the country and will incude 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.

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 extemely unpleasant tests on those at risk.

A close friend of mine, Sam has a son called Jack who is the same age as my daughter Milly. Jack along with his younger siblings had his thyroid removed as they were found to carry the hereditary gene who can turn into this fatal form of cancer. Should the research be successful then future generations of their family and others affected by this gene should not have to undertake the stess, operations and constant monitoring for years to come. I am not medic, but logic tells me that any research into any form of cancer has the potential to help other areas too, and can only be a good thing. 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 £40,000.  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" wll received your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid will also be paid.

So please sponsor me.

Many Many thanks for your support.

Angela