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I want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to prove anything is possible having battled with challenging emotional and physical health issues most of my life. 

During my early twenties, I entered a premature menopause, now known as premature ovarian insufficiency. While upsetting in itself, this tragic life event has sadly defined much of my life course and experience: as well as meaning I was unable to conceive children it has left me vulnerable to several other health issues, some now commonly referred to as “invisible illnesses” due in part to in effect being post-menopausal much of my life. 

Over the last 15 years I have undergone repeated spinal surgery, resulting in a need for self-catheterisation and a spinal cord injury. More recently I was hospitalised with a perforated bowel and near fatal sepsis infection and subsequently diagnosed with diverticulitis and diverticular disease. Update September 2020. Anterior resection bowel surgery.

I have strived not to allow myself to be defeated by poor health. In some ways, I have been proud of the fact many people who meet me are shocked to hear my story as outwardly I am a very positive determined individual. 

As a Personal Trainer and Yoga Teacher, I feel I have devoted my life to helping others overcome their own challenges and through doing so have turned negative challenging circumstances into positive experiences and outcomes.

My family and friends have also experienced how life changing bowel diseases and bowel cancer can be, this is why collectively we want to raise money for Guts Uk and help raise awareness of invisible illness. 

While I know climbing Kilimanjaro will be a huge personal challenge I hope the training leading up to the climb will help inspire others with invisible illness. 

Update: Due to Covid-19 our Trek has been moved to September 2022.

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