In 2013, my parents were diagnosed with aggressive forms of terminal cancer within a month of each other. It was a devastating time for our family, and I can still feel the sense of hopelessness and confusion that surrounded every moment for us during those dark days. Nevertheless, I learned that a day wasted feeling paralysed with despair, is a day that you’ll never get back. One day I too might need the love, strength and support of others.

This lesson was taught to me through the hard work, compassion and sincerity of the people around us. In the homes, hospitals and hospices who gave up part of their daily lives to for us simply because we needed their support. Because they understand better than anyone that togetherness in times of emotional struggle is a vital part of what it is to be human.

My dad sadly passed in 2015, but amazingly my mum (despite being given 3 months to live 6 years ago) is still with us and is celebrating her 80th birthday today!

She has been fortunate, for many different reasons, but owes a lot to the support of medical and care staff in our community. I appreciate many of us aren’t so lucky. Yet, every day, we are making tiny improvements at tackling terminal illness, and many kind, caring individuals refuse to give up on us. They need our support too!

On 26th September I’m going to attempt to climb Kilimanjaro in aid of some of those people. Claire House is a hospice that helps over 200 seriously and terminally ill children from 0–23 years by providing specialist nursing care and emotional support for bereaved families. I don’t need to tell you how important this work is and the impact their relentless dedication has on all of our lives.

I’m paying for the trip out of my own pocket, and our support of Claire House is not contingent. We just decided to do something special because we can.

So, I thought if everyone I know foregoes just one glass of wine tonight and donates £5 we could make a massive difference.

Our collective aim is to raise £50,000 to help Claire House Children’s Hospice continue reaching out to more children and families across Liverpool.

There are a lot of you who I know will support us. I may not be able to thank everyone for their donation personally, but I will promise to try my best.