We are Lesley Ritchie and Helen Tirvengadum and we're taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on September the 30th 2023 to raise much needed funds for the Windmill Trust. 

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania and is Africa’s tallest mountain at 5,895 metres above sea level. We have chosen the Machame Route. This is a 7 day 37 mile route.

The training has begun. This is not an easy undertaking for the pair of us. Lesley is relatively fit having undertaken several running and cycle challenges, but she really dislikes walking! Helen, on the other hand, loves walking but has a dislike of going to the gym to strength build and she needs all the strength she can muster to get up that mountain!

So why choose to climb Kilimanjaro, you might ask? Well, this pair are working mums committed to supporting children’s mental health. Lesley is a Creative Arts Psychotherapist and Helen is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner. They both have a proven record of starting and finishing projects - they are highly motivated and determined, extremely resilient, have an abundance of tenacity, and are driven ( laughs come included!)

They have taken this challenge very seriously and can not be distracted, not even by coffee and cake.

The Windmill Trust is not a big all singing all dancing charity. In fact it is tiny and new, but already making a huge difference to children's lives in Wigton in West Cumbria. The aim is to grow into a county wide service, so that far more children who have been through trauma or adverse childhood experiences can be helped by their creative therapy service. ‘From little acorns do great oaks grow’. 

Please help us by donating whatever you can - big or small - every bits counts. With heartfelt thanks. Lesley and Helen on behalf of The Windmill Trust.