Call me MAD, but now gorgeous Charlie is 18 months old (at time of writing) I really feel I want to give something back to a great cause that helped both Dave and I through a very tough time back in 2002. ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices) were an incredible support to us when we had to make the devastating decision to terminate my first pregnancy when our son was diagnosed as being profoundly deformed.

Sadly many, many people are confronted with having to make a decision such as this and it is wonderful to know that ARC is there to help them through the process, and to support them for as long as is needed after the event.

To thank them for their work I've decided to have a leisurely 'stroll' up Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 19,344ft or 5,896m (next to Dave's laundry pile, of course!). The climb itself is going to be tough, there is no doubt about that. Although I won't know anyone in the group we will be a max. of 20 people with a guide and we camp at different spots along the way. We are climbing a route that allows us to acclimatise slowly, taking 10 days to reach the summit. On the final day we have a hell of a trek. We set off at midnight and climb 1100m to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point, for sunrise. We then have 2200m of decent with a total of 12-15 hours of walking!

It would be amazing if you could find it in your hearts to sponsor me - no amount is too little! If you have any problems in donating online please call Local Rate 0845 021 2110 and Justgiving will be able to help you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you again! Kate

p.s. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: ARC will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.