In 2016, three parents who had each lost their teenage sons to suicide made a vow: to do everything they could to prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating loss.

From that promise, The OLLIE Foundation (One Life Lost is Enough) was born - a registered charity dedicated to funding suicide intervention skills training.

Every pound raised helps OLLIE train more people to spot the signs, break down the stigma attached to suicide, and create a world where it’s easier to talk and seek help.

This year, myself and four incredible friends I’ve met through business networking in Hertfordshire have made the huge decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds and awareness for OLLIE.

For me, this is deeply personal. I’ve battled with poor mental health for over a decade, and at the end of 2023 I made a choice: to change almost everything in my life in order to give my mind a chance to heal. Because if we don’t change things, how can we expect our minds to change?

Since January this year, I’ve been training six days a week - pushing myself further than I ever thought possible. I’ve run races, including a half marathon, lifted heavy in the gym, plunged into cold water swims, tackled long hikes, and kept showing up even on the tough days. All of this is to make sure I’m ready to take on the biggest challenge of my life: reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

This climb is not just about the mountain - it’s about showing what’s possible, raising awareness, and giving back to a cause that matters so much.

If you’d like to follow my journey, my training, and all the behind-the-scenes of what it really takes to climb Kilimanjaro, come find me on Instagram: @peakingwithro

Thank you so much for your support - it truly means the world.

Rosie x