And the count down begins...

So, it's the Friday before I head off to climb the tallest freestanding mountain in the World. I'm almost all set. Looking at my packed bags, I've brought stuff for extreme heat and extreme cold, and have medicine for probably every ailment under the sun!

Even though the scale of the challenge hasn't sunk in yet - looking at my packed bag really brings home the challenge ahead and is making me think realistically about it.


What do I have ahead of me? A long flight via Ethiopia, then 5 days of climbing. At the start of the climb we'll encounter jungle , and at the top we'll encounter -10 conditions. I'll probably suffer some extent of altitude sickness, as well as the usual tummy troubles and lack of sleep. 

The main things to keep me ploughing ahead will be a sense of humour and the knowledge that this isn't about me - it's about raising money for the UNICEF emergency fund. Any extreme situations I'll face will be nothing in comparison to the harsh conditions children are having to live in daily in places like Northern Kenya, Somalia and Ethopia which are still experiencing drought. 


People all over the World are facing the challenges of their lives - and yet after mine I'm able to return home to a warm bath and a cup of tea. 


I'm not asking you to give money to support my climb - I'd like you to use my climb as a reminder to give to UNICEF and to support all those children who face massive challenges everyday. 


Please give all you can - all the money will go direct to UNICEF http://fundraise.unicef.org.uk/MyPage/Hannah-climbs-Kili

Amazing couple: Newlyweds run a raffle on their wedding day for UNICEF!

So, who out there knows a couple who would give up part of their wedding day to raffle off their centre-pieces for charity? Well, I'm proud to say that 'I do'.


On 5th September, Cerys and Matthew Turner got hitched, and wanted, as part of their big day, to ask their guests to take part in a raffle to raise money for UNICEF.


Guests were very generous, and a total of £125.25 was raised. I'd like to thank the ushers for selling the raffle tickets, Cerys's dad for entertaining the guests and calling the raffle, but particularly to Cerys and Matthew for insisting on doing the raffle to help with my fundraising, and for donating their beautiful centre-pieces.


I'm very lucky to have friends like these. Much congratulations Cerys and Mathew and may you have good Karma forever!