I'm heading for the top of the world

17 years ago I attempted to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest free standing mountain in the world at 19,500 feet, to raise money for street children projects in Zambia and education programmes in Nigeria.

I made it to Gilman's point, 2 hours from the summit but due to unforeseen circumstances I had to descend.

I said I would never attempt it again. Never say never!

Here I am, leading a team of 22, giving it another attempt to raise funds for ALPS in order to continue to provide free counselling services for those who need someone to lean on.

It will be a personal pilgrimage for me as I will be remembering all those who have sadly died by suicide and their grieving families especially my classmate Ronan McQuigan, my neighbour Paddy Young, Dylan Craig and Charles Conway.

We all have a part to play in breaking the stigma around mental illness and suicide prevention.

I will also make a donation to the Kildare Down Syndrome Branch.

Any sponsorship you can provide would be much appreciated indeed.

With heartfelt thanks in advance.

Frank Diamond