As you may know, we have been inspired to climb Kilimanjaro by the tragic loss of our friends' son George last year. George loved and lived life to the full, and would have been thrilled by the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro; I hope that we can do him proud. Darren is raising money for Hartlepool Families First, a charity that George was volunteering for when he died, and would welcome your donations at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Darren-Holliday-Kilimanjaro-Challenge

I want to take the opportunity to raise money for The Ross Smith Foundation, which was set up by my good friend Jayne following the terrible loss of her elder son Ross in January 2014, at the age of 27. Ross was a wonderful young man who was taken far too soon by cancer. The Foundation was set up to keep his memory alive, and to help and support young people with cancer, and their families, and has already provided support and equipment for a cancer hospice in Halifax.

I appreciate that there are many demands on your generosity, although I do hope that you will be able to contribute to a fantastic cause, and give me the boost that I will require to get up this bloody mountain!

Thank you on behalf of George, Ross and their families.