kitty vaughan
Kitty's Killimanjaro Page
Fundraising for The Charlie Waller Trust
Story
On the 10th of August, I am embarking on a huge challenge to climb Africa's highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. I will be climbing over 7 days to 5,895m, through four climatic zones: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and artic with the toughest day comprising around 15 hours of walking and an incline of 1,295m. The freezing arctic conditions, potential altitude and sheer scale of the climb will be the ultimate mental test of grit and determination, particularly for someone whose previous challenges have peaked at a 10K (this time its vertical!)
Whilst climbing Mt Kilimanjaro will be a huge challenge in terms of fitness and determination, 2018 came with its own personal challenges. Sadly my darling Dad passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly in January. He left a void in our lives which we will never be able to fill. For those of you who knew my Dad, his sense of humour, laughter and joie de vivre will never be forgotten, but neither will his genuine interest, care and enthusiasm for young people which was so evident in everything he did. After he died, we received hundreds of letters from young people he had helped, whether this was through personal advice, career guidance or looking after people in times of need.
For this reason, I am dedicating the climb to my Dad and raising money for a charity that he was incredibly passionate about. The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO968GkV9Js was set up by two very dear friends of his, in memory of their son, Charlie, who tragically took his own life whilst suffering from depression.
The CWMT is a charity set up to equip young people to look after their mental well-being and to foster awareness of the signs of depression. The charity helps young people, schools and employers to identify, raise awareness and help people to recognise the signs of depression in themselves and others. The CWMT ensures expert and evidence-based help is available when people need it along with training for GPs, nurses and businesses as well as talks research and teaching in evidence-based therapy at the Charlie Waller institute the University of Reading.
The CWMT has a vision of a world where all people understand and talk openly about depression, where young people know the importance of maintaining a sense of wellbeing and where the most appropriate treatments are available to anyone who needs them.
Depression can be beaten, but talking about it is the first step. The CWMT is doing life-changing work but is solely reliant on donations. Every single penny that I raise will go directly to The CWMT so please give as generously as possible. Each donation will spur me to the top of the mountain.
Thank you so much xxx