My daughter Lily is unique and incredible. She has a neurological condition (sensory processing disorder) which means she experiences the world differently. She is under a constant barrage of sensory input with no effective filter. Sensory overloads can be painful and scary. The biggest impact for Lily is that touch is often intolerable. Ordinary morning routines of washing, dressing and brushing hair are impossible for Lily. Most fabrics and styles of clothes are unbearable. The flip side is that Lily is bright, sensitive, creative and resilient.

Last year Lily's primary school went on a trip to Snowdonia. The guides advised that Lily wouldn't be able to join the group in climbing Snowdon because she wouldn't be able to make it to the top, as she couldn't wear appropriate clothing or footwear and wouldn't be able to touch the rocks to scramble up the side of the mountain. So, on the day of the climb her friends and classmates set off without her. What they didn't account for, however, is Lily's determination. Lily and I climbed Snowdon together wearing inappropriate footwear and clothing. Despite leaving 45 minutes later, we caught up with the group and overtook most of them to reach the summit alongside the front runners. Lily was amazing that day!

When Lily was 10 she joined a fantastic creative writing group. Writers Room is for children and young people and works to promote creativity, instil confidence and support the mental health of talented young people, many of whom have day to day challenges due to neurological and other conditions.

Recently the funding for the group was cut by 50% leaving the fantastic and dedicated organisers with no option but to scale back the groups’ activities. In response Lily and I will be recreating our Snowdon challenge, this time climbing Scafell Pike. We are raising money for Writers Room, who have given so much support to us since Lily joined.

If you could spare a little to help our cause, we would hugely appreciate it!