CHARITY HIKE UP MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Hi everyone! I am very grateful to be venturing to Tanzania in June, where I will be volunteering at a local school in Moshi for a period of three weeks. Following the completion of my placement, I will embark on an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro- a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience! At 5895m, Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world above sea level and is one of the worlds 7 summits and I cannot wait to take on this challenge!

This journey is entirely self-funded, and I have chosen to donate all funds I raise directly to the charities listed below. I would be deeply appreciative of any contributions toward my fundraising efforts, regardless of the amount.

I will also have sponsorship forms in the Tav and St George's Sports and Social club for those who would prefer to give cash.

My chosen charities and reasons why I support them:

HILBRAE RESCUE KENNELS

As many of you may know, my gorgeous Myers was a rescue and my boy means the absolute world to me! I believe all dogs deserve a loving, safe home and Hilbrae work towards making this happen.

ANTIBIOTIC RESEARCH UK

This is a charity that I wasn’t very familiar with until a few years ago, when I had the privilege of meeting my dear friend Emily. Through her, I’ve come to understand that we often have no idea what someone may be facing behind the scenes.

At first glance, Emily appears to be a healthy young woman—but in reality, she is courageously living with an antibiotic-resistant infection. Despite enduring ongoing hospital visits and numerous operations, Emily remains incredibly resilient. She continues to work, care for her beautiful daughter, and face each day with strength and grace.

Emily is truly an inspiration—one of the kindest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met. I’ve included a link to her story below; I encourage you to read it, as it offers a powerful and eye-opening perspective.

https://www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/young-patient-antibiotic-resistant-infection-tells-story/

ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY

Dementia currently affects nearly one million people in the UK, including my mother’s long-time friend, Jean. My mum and Jean met at work in 1988 and have remained close ever since. Throughout my childhood, we visited Jean weekly, and with little family of her own, we became like extended family to her.

Jean’s husband, Mike, passed away in 2015 after a long struggle with severe dementia. Sadly, just over a year ago, Jean herself was diagnosed with vascular dementia, which progressed rapidly. My mother continued to care for her as long as possible, and Jean now resides in a care home where she receives the specialist support she needs.

It is truly heartbreaking to witness someone you’ve known your entire life gradually lose their memory and sense of self. Dementia is an incredibly cruel condition that deeply affects not only individuals, but entire families. This is why I support Alzheimer’s Society, a charity that funds groundbreaking research into the causes of dementia, seeks improved treatments, and works tirelessly toward finding a cure.

Thank you to anyone in advance who choses to give to me and my chosen charities and I can't wait to update you all on my adventure.