I will be undertaking a series of challenges and activities between now and September to raise the highest amount I have ever attempted for charity. For more details on the HR connecting Africa 2018 volunteer programme I've been accepted for, please go to www.retrak.org

Challenge 1. I aim to complete a ski of the Valley Blanche before the end of March. This is the longest ski run in the world at 22km and a vertical descent of 2,780 metres. It begins with a 150 metre descent along a ridge requiring crampons and sometimes to be roped and attached to a steel cable, depending on how hostiles the conditions are. I have never done this before and being sponsored will help stop me from turning back even before I've started! Not a season goes by without someone loosing their footing and falling to their deaths here. This is not a 10k sponsored walk. I will meet all costs, all donations go to Retrak.

Activity 1. Come Dine With Me. Please register interest in booking a seat at my table for a Fondue evening. All food and wine costs met by me, seat cost a donation direct to Retrak. Be my guest, let me know you are interested and I'll update you with possible dates. Don't want to come to Blackpool? Let me cook a fondue for your guests.....

If you have any services or objects you would be willing to donate so that I may raffle or sell on eBay, or indeed are willing to host a playday, cake bake or have a bucket at one of your events, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Would be really grateful for fund raising ideas too, especially if they involve children and will help raise awareness.

Here goes....