This is not only a personal goal, but also an opportunity to raise vital funds for two charities that I feel very strongly about.

Erskine, which provides care, housing, and support for veterans and their families, is a charity close to my heart, as I have family members who have served in the military, and I have seen for myself the sacrifices made and the importance of the support Erskine provides.

The second is Youth Talk, a charity focused on young people’s mental health. This is an issue that directly impacts me, and one I believe we all need to talk about more openly. Youth Talk creates space for young people to share their concerns and ideas, while raising awareness and education around mental health. I feel it is vital that there is greater understanding and conversation on this topic, as it affects so many lives.

One of these is making a difference locally in our community, and the other giving young people the tools, voice, and support they need to thrive

Emma’s Story

As a young girl, my Poppa would tell me stories of spending his army days in East Africa, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, as a Radio Operator. He learned to speak Swahili and made me laugh by singing “One Man went to Mow” or “Mtu Moja Kwenda”

That sowed a seed but I never imagined I would climb Kilimanjaro until my friend Jim said he was going to do it for his charity Youth Talk and would I like to go too.

I have known two families who have lost their young people to suicide, and with three children of my own I know how important it is for them to have a safe space to fall - so for me it was a no brainer

In addition we will be supporting Erskine - the Scottish veterans charity - I am a military wife and Lily is a military child - so this charity is something that is very close to both our hearts.

Lily and I met playing tennis, and then running, and Lily encouraged me to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon while she ran the marathon. When I told her about Kilimanjaro she was immediately keen to join and so we are going together to conquer the roof of Africa!!

Youth Talk’s mission is to provide the best, possible mental health support to young people in St Albans and the surrounding areas. It's important for there to be a safe, trustworthy, calm and professional environment for young people to feel comfortable in and share whatever is on their mind, Youth Talk can offer this.

Thanks to your donations and support of my fundraising – Youth Talk can continue to provide local young people with one-to-one counselling support during a real time of need..

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Erskine provides unrivalled support to Veterans in Scotland, with two specialist care homes, two Activity Centres, a regional Home Support service, and a Veterans Village comprising of 44 cottages, five Assisted Living Apartments and 23 Transitional Supported Apartments.

Erskine’s strength lies in the very special blend of dedicated care, compassion and understanding we offer to residents and their families.

Erskine care for over 1,200 Veterans each year; our care homes provide Veterans with the companionship of like-minded people. Erskine not only care for their Veterans – we care about them.

In our care homes, our person-centred care is tailored to the needs of each individual Veteran. All bedrooms open to a general living space with dining areas and are fully accessible with en-suite facilities. The dedicated activities team provide social activities, entertainment and organise day or evening trips which are of huge importance to resident’s health and wellbeing.

For Veterans who need help to begin the next chapter of their lives, Erskine offers social, recreation and training facilities at our Activity Centres, single and family accommodation and employment opportunities in partnership with Scotland Bravest Manufacturing Co.- all within a Veterans Village setting supporting Veterans of all ages.