Please read till the end: 

As many of you will remember, in 2017 I climbed Kilimanjaro to raise much needed funds for Helen & Douglas House Children’s Hospice where I am a volunteer. Since then, despite huge efforts, Douglas House had to close its doors to 18-35 year olds in 2018 as the £5.2 million a year it cost to run both hospices was just proving to be impossible. However Helen House is still going strong and now helps children up to the age of 18, whether it be for respite care in the hospice, care at home or end of life care. This costs £3.6 million each year.

Since My Kili climb in September 2017, 61 children have died who were being cared for by Helen & Douglas House – either in the hospice, at home or in hospital.  At any one time they have around 160 children who are actively being supported by the amazing work they do.

I know you were all so generous back then but the funds are still desperately needed to be able to offer the care which HDH provides and which is second to none.

At the end of April this year myself and 13 others will be trekking 60+ km and camping in the Sahara Desert. The temperature during the day is likely to be 40 °C or more and freezing at night. Add to this the fact that since Kili I have been suffering with a very painful condition called Morton’s Neuroma in both feet, there is no doubt that this will be a challenge and I would be SO grateful if you could find it in your heart to sponsor me. 

Jo xxx