I have always enjoyed walking (growing up with the mantra 'if you don't keep up, then you get left behind'), completing some of the tallest peaks in the UK. These hikes inspired me to want to do something bigger, higher and probably colder!

Working for Boots, I came across the chance to trek to the summit of the World's highest free standing mountain (Mount Kilimanjaro), however more importantly it has provided the opportunity to raise a significant amount of money for a wonderful cause.

I am raising money for Vision Aid Overseas (VAO). VAO is dedicated to fighting poverty by transforming access to eye care and spectacles in developing countries. Nearly 10% of the World's population are disabled or disadvantaged because they don't have access to the proper eye care. Poor eye sight causes poverty by keeping children out of school, stopping mothers and fathers from working and lowering the incomes of individuals and families. 

Did you know?

£1500 can pay for a brand new eye testing kit, which will enable a newly qualified eye care worker to provide eye examinations in a local community for the next 10 years.

£750 pays for a professional volunteer to spend one week overseas providing humanitarian eye care services in rural communities.

£475 buys a month of training for an Optometry Technician.

£60 buys 20 pairs of spectacles. This enables children to go to school, mothers and fathers to feed their families and helps people to escape poverty through the power of good sight.

Now to make things that bit easier, you can even donate by text - who knew?! Simply text: MKDG with your selected amount (e.g. £10) to 70070 - easy peasy!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page - together we can make a big difference to peoples lives.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.