The Big One!!!!

After 5 years of challenges and events fundraising, on the 11th August I embark on my biggest challenge yet - climbing the 19,340 ft of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. My husband Steve will be joining me on this challenge and we will endeavour to get as high as we can, subject to altitude sickness and anything-else this monster will throw at us! We are both very excited, but nervous about this challenge, but as always I will give it my all and do my very best. Statistics show a third don't make it to the top and about 500 people die each year trying to climb Kili so it's not going to be easy.

Having recently exceeded £20,000 of fundraising for Cancer Research UK, I am focusing my fundraising efforts for this challenge to 2 other charities very close to my heart.

Firstly, continuing my support for the research into drugs to prevent and support cancer, I, like thousands of others, have been touched by the story of a young 18 year old equestrian called Hannah Francis who was diagnosed 15 months ago with terminal cancer and sadly passed away on the 1st August. Hannah had osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, and will be a massive inspiration for my walk through her bravery dealing with this illness and the setting up of her own 'Wilberry Wonder Pony' charity #kickingcancersbutt. Her charity funds bone cancer research and grants wishes to other sufferers with horsey dreams.

Secondly I am supporting the 'Heads Together' campaign.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are spearheading the Heads Together campaign to end stigma around mental health. At some stage in our lives, most of us will come into contact with mental health issues, either personally or through family and friends. Heads Together aims to change the national conversation on mental health and wellbeing, and is a partnership with inspiring charities with years of experience in tackling stigma, raising awareness and providing support.

please support these worthy causes x