Ordinarily I would shy away from wading through marshland, clambering up steep rock and negotiating thick bamboo forests, particularly over Christmas and New Year.

But this year, just months after the departure of my 20s, it seems insanity has set in.

I will join hikers from across the world to climb Mount Elgon (4321m) and Mount Kaddam (3068m) in Uganda, the birthplace of my parents. 

Together we will raise tens of thousands of pounds for Focus Humanitarian Assistance, which reduces the need to communities in the developing world to rely on humanitarian aid. Currently the charity is increasing disaster-resilience in Afghanistan strengthening the capability of vulnerable communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters.

Mt Elgon is volcanic and a massive crater area constitutes its summit. Our goal is to reach the highest peak, Wagagi, on the remnants of the crater rim. Mt Kaddam is more arid and consists largely of rock buttresses rising from the plains of Karamoja.

During the six-day challenge, we will hike for up to nine hours a day, at times starting before dawn, to make our way through thick bush, cross small streams and walk through heavily-cropped village fields.

If I can catch my breath I will be sure to take in what the organisers' describe as spectacular views.

 

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