In July this year I will be attempting to reach the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, in support of Livia's little legs.

Early this year I received a message from a friend of mine to say that her then 2-year-old daughter, Livia, had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia. I had been aware that Livia's ability to walk was delayed and that there had been appointments with specialists arranged. My response a year ago had been what many of us mothers would say: "She will get there in her own time" because that was my experience of children. Being a friend of Livia's mum and a mother myself, the news that there was more to it was incredibly upsetting and I think about them a lot.

Livia suffered brain damage due to being born 6 weeks premature. The damage she has effects her legs, core, and right arm. This means that Livia has balance issues and has restricted mobility. While she is on her feet, she is very hindered with her walking. She cannot run, jump, kick a ball or climb. She needs assistance to walk any further than a few feet.

As it is brain damage there’s nothing that can be done to make it better, and the effects of the damage will change as she grows. This could mean she is left incapable of walking, unless she does enough to fight against it. Livia's parents currently assist by providing daily physiotherapy. The physical exercise helps her muscles to stretch where they cannot do so themselves. This therapy is performed at home by Livia's parents and, on a very ad hoc basis, by a physiotherapist on the NHS.

Livia's family want to raise funds in order for Livia to attend a specialist cerebral palsy centre in London called Bobath. Bobath is a specialist treatment and training centre, supporting children and families living with cerebral palsy.

With almost 700 miles separating me and Livia's family, I realise there is not a huge amount I can do to help them in any practical way. Choosing to climb Snowdon to raise money towards this treatment is my way of helping to support them. I am not a wildly enthusiastic hill walker and my husband (who climbs hills, mountains and anything else he possibly can) would agree. He has dragged me up a number of hills so far, the highest to date being Ben Hope (that was pre-children) near the north coast of Scotland. Ben Hope is 927m/3041ft and Snowdon is 1085m/3560ft, so it will be the highest I have ever been.

I really hope you will consider sponsoring me and supporting Livia. Thank you.