On March 5th 2012 myself and a group of friends will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.

We are taking the less frequented Rongai route from the north which is quite a lot tougher than the normal routes, but we still hope to reach the summit by 9th March -which means we have about 5 nights of sleeping in tents and digging our own toilets… lovely. Non the less everyone is very excited and it should be an experience to remember – and the thought of relaxing on Zanzibar after the climb should keep us going!

I am climbing in memory of my dad, Reg who died on 17th Aug 2000 and for the East Cheshire Hospice which looked after him and us during his illness.

Some of you already know the work they do at the hospice and I for one have witnessed what can only be described as their selfless dedication to others. I can't tell you in enough words what a fantastic cause this is but i can tell you all about the dedication these people commit to others and the difference it makes when you’re on that road. The Hospice needs our support so that it can continue to provide support to those that need it. So please give generously and sponsor me.

Many thanks

Phil

PS. Please forward all copies of "climbing for dummies" to Monaco ASAP for bedtime reading!!!