So as lots of you know, Lee and I were fortunate to self fund a trip to Malawi back in 2016. It was one of the best experiences of my life and something I am incredibly proud of. During the trip we helped to support local communities to build and repair water pumps whilst providing them with the training and skills to maintain the water sources independently. We also visited schools to deliver a programme called 'Project My Girl and My Guy' - An education programme delivered to young people to talk about puberty, adolescence, sexual health, menstruation, consent and rights. It was amazing to work with local communities and get a feel for life in rural Africa. We also raised £1000 to support the communities through 'One Water'.

Ever since this trip Lee and I have wanted to return to Africa... SO WE HAVE BOOKED OUR NEXT VENTURE!

MOUNT KILIMANJIRO

Lee and I will be challenging ourselves to trek up Africa's highest peak -Mt KILIMANJARO. The mountain stands at 5895metres into the sky! It sits proud and tall above the cloud level, it will require us to walk and camp for 7 days, of 8 hour treck's, to potentially reach the summit!

SO WHY ARE WE CHALLENGING OURSELVES?

Mental health is something that is important and close to heart for both of us. We are challenging ourselves to achieve this great feat in order to raise money for two fantastic charities that support adult and children's mental health. To reach summit will take determination, passion, positive mental attitude and a great deal of mental strength. We want to raise awareness of how important mental health is, the impact it has upon us all and encourage people to talk about their difficulties.

ABOUT YPAS...

YPAS is a charitable organisation based in the city and communities of Liverpool. They offer support and therapeutic services to children, young people and their families. Their mission is to improve the mental health and emotional well-being needs of children, young people and families in a non-stigmatized environment, that allows them to deliver a wide range of support and therapeutic interventions , including 1:1 therapy, IAG (information, advice and guidance work), group work including anxiety workshops and social groups.

YPAS wants to REDUCE STIGMA around mental health and actively contributes to the key principles of: Providing the right service , From the right place , By the right person , At the right time for all young people!

I feel it is so important to support the emotional well-being of young people to equip them with the skills to develop into resilient, well functioning and skilled adults who are able to manage the difficulties that life throws at us.

Please check out the link below if you would like to find out more about YPAS.

FACE OUR FEARS

Yes we will be fortunate to travel and see Africa again... Yes will make memories... However this will be no easy task...several people die climbing Kilimanjaro each year! We will be battling altitude sickness as we climb the mountain, which no amount of training can prepare us for. The training has begun to increase our physical health and stamina, it will be tough to prepare for but we are ready to give it 100%. So far we have completed Snowdon, Scafell Pike and hoping to complete Ben Nevis.

The risks are huge but the rewards of watching the sun rise over the clouds on summit day will be remarkable!

OUR TRIP

We will be departing Manchester on 15th March 2019 for our long haul flight to Istanbul then onto Tanzania!

Day 1: 16th March - 5 day climb to summit.

2 days decent.

5 days visiting the village of Moshi, here we will gain access to school's and orphanages to offer support and raise awareness of mental health.

Travel back to the UK and share our memories!

YOUR DONATIONS!

All funds raised between this page, Lee's page, our fund raising events, raffles and bucket collections will be shared equally between:

YPAS : http://www.ypas.org.uk/

CALM - Campaign against men living miserably: https://www.thecalmzone.net/

The communities of Africa including the village of Moshi and the porters. We will be providing our porters with a generous donation as they are the heart and soul of the trip, without their strength and motivation no one would make the summit!

(10% of the overall raised will go towards funding the trip.)

Thank-you for taking the time to read this page and please share far and wide!