5 Years ago our daughter was born with a very rare syndrome - Kabuki Syndrome.

When you first hear this news, your world literally collapses around you, of all of the things you think you want in life, it dawns on you that all you really want is for your children to be happy and healthy.

Kabuki Syndrome is a very variable syndrome, some kids struggle to walk, typically have a cleft palate or lip, have severe learning delay and some will never be able to cope on their own into adulthood.

We are lucky enough that Penelope is affected mildly by the syndrome, we hope, following surgery and 1:1 teaching, she will live a relatively normal life.

Many children affected by Kabuki Syndrome or Clefts are not so lucky.

I would love it if you would support those children financially with a donation and morally support me as I climb the tallest freestanding mountain on earth.

I have had my own personal journey through depression and the ups and downs of having a child with a disability. To get out of the negative cycle I thought there was no better way than to set myself an audacious goal and raise some money in the process. (I hope it goes without saying that all costs of the trip are self-funded and all donations go to the charity, not my adventure!)

3 Charities I support are:

Kabuki UK:
This small UK charity is run by those affected by Kabuki Syndrome and provides support as well as grants for equipment to families in need.
www.kabukiUK.org.uk

Oxford Children's Hospital:
The Oxford Children's hospital helps many children will all sorts of illnesses.  They were so supportive during Penelope's surgeries and they deserve every penny you can spare.
http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/charity/

Operation SMILE:
This charity aims to bring the medical expertise to areas most in need of Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Repair.  Every $250 donated provides lifesaving surgery for one child.
http://www.operationsmile.org.uk/