I decided that 2017 should bring about a new challenge - a physical challenge, a bucket list challenge, and a charity challenge to raise money for a good cause. 

Having walked the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu, I know this one requires a serious amount of training... that's why every month I've had my walking boots on! A monthly training walk, Thames Path, Snowdon during the night, the Cotswolds Way, 1/2 London to Brighton, and a few laps of Richmond Park to name a few. So 2017 might be more North Face and walking boots than Ted Baker, Manola Blahnik stilettos and cocktail bars. I know, I don't really recognise myself! 

Cancer touches so many of us these days, so Macmillan Nurses and Cancer Research UK are two charities that I want to support. All fundraising goes to the charities (my challenge costs are paid for from my own pocket), so any donations are gratefully received and going to two fantastic causes.

Here's my Itinerary at a Glance - note its camping, no facilities, no hairdryer or straighteners, +25c to -20c, 5 1/2 days up and 1 1/2 days down, and only 15kg of luggage (including sleeping bag, pillow, coat and boots!).

MTI MKUBWA / 2780m / 4-6 HR TREK

Begin Kilimanjaro climb with a trek through the forest and Lemosho Glades to our first camp - where our tents and prepared evening meal await.

SHIRA CAMP / 3505m / 9-11 HR TREK
First full day trekking - and it's a long one - so an early start and a slow and steady pace up to Shira Plateau with 700m altitude gain, where we camp and rest.

BARRANCO CAMP / 3972m / 6-7 HR TREK
Trek continues east across beautiful barren moonlike landscape of high desert terrain up to Lava Tower for lunch, and then down to Barranco Camp. 'Trek high' - 'sleep low' helps with acclimatisation.

KARANGA VALLEY / 4002m / 5-6 HR TREK
A scramble up the steep looking Barranco Wall, with great views of Mt Meru once we're at the top. It's then and onto camp in the Karanga Valley. In the afternoon there's an optional acclimatisation walk.

BARAFU CAMP / 4600m / 5-6 HR TREK
Ascend upwards across the barren landscape to Barafu Camp - and rest and feed in preperation for the summit push later that night.

SUMMIT DAY / 5895m / 12-14 HR TREK 
At midnight, by torchlight we have a tough climb for about 6 hours to reach Stella Point at the crater rim before our final traverse to Uhuru Peak. We descend back down to Barafu camp for breakfast before continuing on to Millennium Camp where the warm air feels fantastic!

MOSHI / 5-6 HR TREK
Descend to Mweka Gate. Transfer to hotel and rest before celebrating our fantastic achievements! Then a great night's sleep in a proper bed - or partying for a few!

Thank you for your generosity and wish us luck!