When my parents purchased my first pair of walking boots, it sparked a love of hiking that I doubt, like my Dad, I will ever loose. I grew up hiking with my Mum and Dad and with the group my Dad led which comprised of his somewhat older and more long legged colleagues, but I never failed to keep up! Unfortunately however, when I was born some 20 years ago, my Dad was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), a neurological condition, for which a cure has yet to be found. MS affects all sufferers differently but for my dad the main impact has sadly been a gradual reduction in his walking ability.

For many years now by dad has been attending the MS Therapy Centre in Nottingham. Here Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment [HBO], physiotherapy, massage and reflexology, as well as many other services are provided for many neurological conditions, inclusive of MS. The centre however is run on a charity basis, so financial support is vital to its successful continuation.

I have always wanted to raise funds for MS and in particular the MS Therapy Centre, although I have never quite had the guts or thought of a challenge suitable to really raise a substantial amount of money. The completion of the Three Peaks (Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon) and the Chase walk (a 40 mile day walk), and becoming president of the Southampton University Hillwalking Club (where I study) has given me the enthusiasm to attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

 

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5895m (19,341 feet). I plan to climb the mountain with an organised group from the 18 to the 29 of June, 2012. It will certainly be a challenge but one that I cannot wait to undertake, to do myself and my family proud and raise some vital funds for MS Therapy Centre in Nottingham.

 

Finally thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I really hope you have the passion to dig deep and donate generously through this fast and totally secure Just Giving Page, from which 100% of the funds raised will go directly to the MS Therapy Centre in Nottingham, as the trip will be funded by myself with support from my local council. Once you donate the money will be sent directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. Once more if like me you dislike junk mail, just giving will not pass on your details to any third parties or communicate with you again if requested upon donation.