Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 12th June 2016 I'm going to have a go at climbing Kilimanjaro along with 10 other (slightly mad? :-)) folk.  It's the trip of a lifetime to see the world from the 'roof of Africa' and was inspired by some colleagues who did it back in 2015.  The trip will take approx 7 days and I've been trying to get fit for the trip when I can - hillwalking, cycling and a little running. The altitude sickness may be the biggest challenge though and its a 50% success rate on the route we are attempting.  No training can say whether it will affect us or not but we will be giving it our best shot (and myself with a photo of Rosie & Lauren in my inside pocket for my boost when I need it).

As part of this challenge, it would be great to raise some money for a truly worthy cause, Vasculitis, an auto-immune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own blood vessels.  5 years ago, a very close family member became seriously ill with this life threatening disease which took some time for doctors to diagnose and once diagnosed and treated left this family member unable to walk, move fingers and hands and with extremely painful nerve spasms.  This is only part of it and she was relatively lucky.  Her amazing progress has been due to some fantastic doctors, her support group and without a doubt her shear strength, determination (and stubborness :-)) and she is now in a place where she has taught herself to walk and write again. Pretty incredible.

Other cases however are less fortunate and the charity I'd like to raise funds for was set up in memory of a young 15 year old girl who lost her life to Vasculitis.  Her parents have created this charity which provides funding for a support group, research into the disease and an increase in awareness.  Hopefully this will help save more lives and any money raised will be helping an amazing cause.  Thank you for your time.

Rachael