On 20th February 2015 I am going to be taking part in a challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa's highest mountain and the world's highest freestanding mountain. I am raising funds for The Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT) who raise money to provide resources over and above those provided by the NHS for patients at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Centre located at Salisbury District Hospital.

In 2006 my Dad had an extremely unfortunate motorcycle accident.  He has ridden motorcycles all his life and toured all over Europe, it was such a freak accident. It happened in the village where my parents live which fortunately is only 20 minutes from Salisbury District Hospital. After being taken to hospital, intensive care and operated on we were told that where his spine had shattered it had completely severed his spinal cord.  Walking again wasn't an option, he was paralysed from the ribs down. My Dad has always been a 'do-er' so this was a massive shock to him and our family.

The care and support provided by the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Unit was outstanding.  He was out of hospital and home within 4 months of his accident and thanks to the positive attitude of the staff he realised that his life didn't have to stop. He bought his first motorcycle adapted to a trike just 6 months after his accident and has continued to ride motorbikes since then.  

My Dad is an inspiration that even the toughest of obstacles shouldn't stand in your way and part of his recovery was down to the help and support provided by the Spinal Unit in Salisbury.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. www.ssit.org.uk

I am paying for the challenge myself so 100% of your donations will go to SSIT.