Thanks for taking the time to visit my page. For those that know me well, you’ll know I like to do something each year for a good cause. This year I’ve decided to up the anti for Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.

In March 2016, I will be travelling to Nepal to begin a 15 day, high altitude hike to Everest Base Camp.

After arriving in Kathmandu, I will brave a flight to the notorious Lukla airport, where one end of the runway is 60m (197ft) higher than the other.

If I survive the dubious propeller plane then the walking boots are on, and so is the trek to Phakding!

In Phakding there will be a series of short treks for acclimatisation, before heading to Namche Bazaar. Here, more trekking and acclimatisation will be rewarded with the first glimpse of the peak of Mt. Everest.

I will then trek to Thyangboche - Elevation 4410m. Followed by an exciting hike from Dingbocuhe to Lobuche (4900m) along the Khumbu Glacier.

Possibly, the most challenging part will be the steep tough climb, crossing the Changri Glacier to reach Gorak Shep. Before finally reaching Everest Base Camp - Elevation 5184m (17,007ft).

I hope this gives you a flavour of what’s to come, and that it inspires you to sponsor me - any amount, big or small.

There will be dangerous flights, Himalayan hanging bridges, glacier crossings, and the real danger of altitude sickness. (Not to mention the small matter of the trek back down!)

I have funded the trip myself, so any money raised will go directly to Mind, and be matched £ for £ by Barclays.

Mental health problems are very much a silent epidemic in modern society.

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

We probably work with someone everyday, that is experiencing a mental health issue and we don’t even know it.

And worryingly, 1 in 10 young people aged between 5 and 16 (3 children in every classroom) has a mental health problem that may continue into adulthood.

Many of you won’t know that my brother, Gary suffered with mental health issues. Ultimately, it didn’t cause his early death, but it saddens me to think that with better resources he could have had a better quality of life.

In real terms, this is how your sponsorship could help:

£10 could fund a volunteer to provide support to someone who is isolated and lonely.

£20 could fund an emotional support session for an adult or child.

£50 could fund a session of therapeutic support for a child experiencing trauma.

Thank you once again!

Hayleigh x