A decade ago, three ladies set out on an ambitious hiking trek along the south coast of Devon. Heavy backpacks at the ready, untested walking boots and a mission to get as far as we physically could in 5 days.  Our enthusiasm was unquestionable - preparation on the other hand was debateable.  As it so happened, 10 minutes into our journey, we had to abandon ship and hot foot it back to Exeter on the first available bus due to volcanic blister eruptions.

10 years on, we are still friends. Life has had its ups and downs and we have all learnt important lessons. We have experienced that life is too short - and can be taken away or altered quite unexpectedly. 

In 2003 Niki's father was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and tragically passed away in June 2004, after months of failing chemotherapy.

In 2006, the NHS failed to diagnose lymphoma in Jen's mother. She continued to loose more weight for a year. Her father had private medical and it was only due to this and the possibility of being rushed in for a private check up that she was accurately diagnosed and then treated with advanced 'new' medication which saved her life. 

Alex's father has also been battling against a brain tumour since 2006.  Proving that the power of positivity can combat adversity.

We are sorry to raise these personal comments but due to our own experiences we feel passionate about these causes. Many of us have been or will be affected by such dreadful illnesses in our lifetimes and it is essential that solutions and cures are found through investigative research.

We now see our experiences as an opportunity to help to make a difference and we are determined to raise funds for and the profile of these charities which are so close to our hearts.

2012 marks the beginning of a very exciting and ground breaking era. To return to our original story - the blisters have now healed and we have funded an expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.  Given our past experience, and fear of heights, this will prove to be an incredibly challenging and difficult feat. Malaria, blisters (again), backache, fatigue, altitude sickness and vertigo await!

We are facing our fears to help find a cure.  Please help us.  Your sponsorship means the world to us and your support will push us to the summit.

Together with our shared interest and passion, we will make this happen!

Alexandra, Jen and Niki

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