In 2019, just before Covid hit, I was making plans to climb Kilimanjaro. Two cancellations and two years later, I am now just about to embark into this very exciting adventure. On March 2, I will start my trek in support of the Scottish charity 500 Miles, set up by lawyer Olivia Giles who caught meningococcal septicaemia in 2002 and had her hands and feet amputated to save her life.

Against all odds Olivia survived and was fitted with prosthetics so she could brush her teeth, put on her clothes and live more independently. You can read her incredible story on her website at www.500miles.co.uk where she says: "The first day I took a step on my prosthetic legs without holding onto anything was overwhelming. I’d been learning to walk with support from a frame or from physiotherapists — then one day I thought: “I can do this. Let me try!” I managed a couple of steps. I was euphoric — it felt like I was floating. I had to lie down and just lay there weeping. I realised I was going to be okay. I was going to walk out of hospital. Until I knew for sure that I would, I don’t think I had dared to hope for it, or acknowledge how important it was to me. I will never forget the profound relief and elation of that day. It was the beginning of a new life". 

In 2007, Olivia founded 500 Miles to help people with mobility difficulties in Malawi and Zambia, where they don't have the support of the NSH like us, and to give them a chance to live independently. 500 Miles supplies prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices and ensures high quality training to Malawian and Zambian prosthetists and orthotists.

Beyond Kilimanjaro, I will continue in my journey to walk 500 miles for 500 Miles, aiming to finish by the end of May.

Please note that ALL the money raised will go directly to 500 Miles and not towards the cost of this trip.