It's 2014, I'm on my way up Mount Kenya, heading for the summit when we reach a tiny little section between the rocks three metres across, there's nothing to hold on to, not even a ledge to place my feet, just smooth, brilliant, white snow.

The sun is just coming up over the mountains; I take a moment to glimpse the beauty that lies beneath, the sprawling plains of the continent below me and the jagged mountain terrain around me. Then I'm brought back to the moment. Shit, why is this mountain so much higher than the others in the range? Why is it at least a thousand feet straight down from here, and how on earth am I going to cross this impasse?

Don't worry says the guide with all of the aplomb of someone who doesn't plan on living a long life. "Lean into the mountain and try and get purchase with each foot plant". I start to think of my family; I had hoped to see them again, then fuck—it hits me! I'm afraid of heights! Nevertheless, I hadn't come this far to let a bit of dying get in the way, onwards and upwards I say.

The top could not come quick enough; I raced to the summit gripped by fear. Once there I clasped the sign indicating that I had reached the top until the panic subsided or my fellow adventurer's prised my fingers from it; I can't remember which came first.

Back in the UK, and while regaling (or boring) others with tales of my unwavering bravery, someone mentions The Seven Summits. Sounds like a challenge too good to pass up (I had no idea what it was), it turns out to be clambering to the highest point on each continent. Sounds like an excellent way to cure my fear of heights, empty my bank balance, test my marriage and see if it's just cats with nine lives—I've since given up drinking, but not before I've committed to the adventure.

So back to Africa, to scale Kilimanjaro, which will be one down six more to go. I've managed to rope in two of the four who witnessed my tremble on Mount Kenya to join me and added in three more for good measure.

On March 9th, 2018, the six of us will set off to wheeze and puff our way up Kilimanjaro, and if you could spare some change to support me, that would be very much appreciated.

I'll be raising money for the organising charity, Team Kenya. The trip is entirely paid for by myself and my fellow adventurers, so all money donated goes directly to the charity; https://www.teamkenya.org.uk, who focus on girls education and equality for women in Kenya.

So, please donate generously.

Thanks

Mike