With its three volcanic cones, Kilimanjaro is the world's tallest free-standing mountain range, situated in north eastern Tanzania on the African continent.  My challenge and that my furry fundraising companion (see photo inset of our recent trip to Morocco's High Atlas mountains. Its a long story!) is to reach its formidable peak - an incredible 19,350ft above sea level.  This challenge is rated 'Extreme'.

Never before have I considered a task like this, especially one so alien to my usual interests and home comforts.  Navigating the mountain terrain will be exhausting, so I will need to train hard to significantly improve my fitness levels, and as I am told we will experience every eco-system known to man as we make our climb, weather conditions will vary wildly and on a regular basis, so I anticipate some very cold, damp nights ahead.  Worse still for me, there's definitely no bar - and certainly no circuit party!

The charity I have nominated, Beat, provides tremendous support for people living alongside eating disorders, especially young people (Childline have described eating disorders as the single biggest challenge their counsellors have to face since they are often knotted within a multitude of problems).  So please sponsor me now!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. You have been contacted via my personal address book, but some of you will know me mainly from my work at MPG (GT, DIVA, PInkPaper and AXM)

Please dig deep and sponsor me online. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: beat 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.

Many thanks for your support. And please forward this email to anyone who knows me, or may be able to help.