The first step

In September 2011, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, I'm doing the Climb Kilimanjaro Trek in memory of my husband Andy. Andy passed away in April 2010 of endocarditis, a very difficult to diagnose and dangerous inflammation of the inner layer of the heart.  Andy was only 34 years old.  He was a big, funny, lovable man, who brought a smile to the faces of everyone who knew him.   Andy was special and unforgettable, the heart of my life, and I want to do something that is also special and unforgettable in his memory, and of the wonderful life we had together.

Climbing all 19,342 feet of Kilimanjaro is a huge personal challenge for me, but I know Andy will be with me every step of the way, and I'll be taking every one of those steps for him.  My goal is to raise £1 for every foot that I climb – meaning £19,342.00.

I’m planning that this will be the first of many ‘Andy events’ over the coming years, because I want to do everything I can to raise money for the crucial cardiovascular research that might help ensure other extraordinary people like Andy don’t have to go before their time.  So please help me by sponsoring my Kilimanjaro trek.

This is my first blog of many, as I start my diary, my training and preparations for Kilimanjaro. I look forward to keeping you all updated and thank you for your support!