Climbing Mont Blanc is something that I have wanted to do for a long time.

At 4,810m it's the highest mountain in the European Union, to me its lure has become irresistible.

So, together with my highly experienced guide Simon Abrahams, I am going to have a go at this beautiful mountain.

I have always loved the mountains and since my teenage years have built up various degrees of experience in hillwalking, scrambling, mountaineering and ice climbing. Technically, Mont Blanc is well within my reach, but acclimatisation will be a challenge and there is no doubt I will have to improve my fitness before June.

I am raising money for the Altzheimer's Society, which I've chosen because I have seen the destruction of this disease at close hand. Dementia seems to be accepted by many as simply an inevitable part of old age and the impact it has on individuals and families is often underestimated until people experience it. It shouldn't be that way.

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.