Mid, approaching late 40s. Three kids. Husband. Dog. In need of a challenge to check I'm still alive, but not satisfied unless I can raise funds for a cause I care deeply about. And the chance to spend 14 days with my best friend, Caroline, aka Steve. 

I've been incredibly lucky to have grown up loved, supported and happy. I'd like to think I'm giving my children a similar experience, despite my deficiencies as a parent.

I work for Aberlour Children's Charity and I see, every day, how children and families struggle - through marginalisation, deprivation, disability, poverty, poor mental health or just unfortunate circumstance. These children are simply not born with the same life chances that I - we - take for granted. It's hard to witness and it's wrong. 

Aberlour offers these children a chance to flourish through a wide range of bespoke and highly effective support services. I'm so proud to be part of an organisation that changes lives, and life chances, so significantly. 

So that's why we're climbing Kilimanjaro - as well as to check we still have an appetite for life and challenge.

By the way, Caroline and I are doing this trip independently; booked and paid for last November. So any money you give will go directly to help fund Aberlour's work with children and their families.

Thank you.