Hello Everyone! I can't believe it the day is finally here..., I'm on my way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro! Its a challenge I've wanted to do for a while and I'm so excited! Its also in Honour of my late Dad Trevor Hill who was a brilliant man and who I miss loads. He suffered with Parkinsons disease for the last few years of his life so I have decided to try and raise funds for the Parkinsons UK charity so that future generations can get help, have hope, and maybe one day even be cured. I have had such wonderful support from lots of my family, friends work mates and from those who knew my father and its been truly humbling before I have even begun my challenge, so thank you to all who have donated! watch this space for updates of my experience! REH x

In August 2013 I opened a savings account which I knew ultimately was going to be funding my Kilimanjaro trek. As I walked away from the bank I felt a strange sense of achievement. The first step had been taken to make what I'd hope happen a reality. It felt really great and I certainly felt a spring in my step.

My brother Graham was taking part in an Ironman Challenge in September 2013 and so on the way to Tenby to support him I had a go at Pen-Y-Fan, the tallest Hill in South Wales. It took me just over 2 hours and I used an old backpack my parents used to use on holidays when Dad was still alive. I took some pretty nice photos too as its so pretty here. The day after was a bit painful on my thighs, but nothing in comparison to Grahams achievements in completing the Ironman Challenge. I am so proud of him and the people competing here in Tenby have certainly inspired me.

October had me walking an awful lot round a scare maze and got my legs in training for longer walks.

More training kicked in in the run up to the climb over march, april and may. Swimming, running, but mostly just long walks in the hilly countryside. I was gathering equiptment as I went along, and needed to test its efficiency before travelling to Africa.

In March there were beautiful blossoms which actually always remind me of my Dad. The paths were pretty clear, but muddy and I was discovering the beautiful countryside near me which I had never fully appreciated before. One of my first walks was the Chalk Hills by Lilley. I took a shorter route the first time, but the second time I got a bit lost and ended up by Luton airport!

April was hot and rainy with puddles and at that point no gaiters! Things got hot and sweaty and wet and muddy and I learned the importance of suncream and waterproofs.

May was pretty wet too but by that time the temperature was always quite warm. Pegston and Barton Hills provided excellent steep hills for climbing and using my trekking poles and I celebrated reaching my initial target of £500 fundraising for Parkinsons UK at the top of Barton Hills. Some of these hills are really nice and its odd sometimes to be training on my own. Thinking of Dad when times get tough makes it all feel a little easier. I wonder if he would be envious of my Challenge if he were alive today. My birthday was a particularly wet and windy day so after a full 8 hour shift on my feet at work I climbed 2 of the 3 hills at Barton before it got too dark and I came home. That made me want to test my night torch and my cold weather clothing.

In early June, on a longer walk 2 weeks before my departure I was joined by a friend and it was really lovely to have some company. We got a little lost and walked about 18-20 miles over 6-7 hours. Lots of the pathways were overgrown as everything is flourishing by this time of year. As it was so warm I chose to wear my shorts but I got stung several times by Nettles. June is totally overgrown and I'm beginning to learn that long trousers are nessesary especially when its so overgrown, even with Englands hot weather! As we were walking over a particularly overgrown path something exploded underfoot and sprayed its juice all over my legs. As we were stomping through at some pace I didnt stop to check what it was but it ended up leaving little red maks on the skin of my legs. they faded over about a week but it made me think how I must look after myself more now its getting closer to the challenge. I haven't been out in heeled shoes for a month, I haven't drunk any alcohol and I have been much more aware of what I'm eating. I seem to be always hungry or tired, or both! Working the 40 hours a week on my feet and all the training is begining to take its toll. One week before I go, I test my cold weather wear and torch on a long night walk with another friend. We drive to Lilley about 11pm and there are lots of blobs of cloud on the country roads, but as we begin our walk the night gets clearer and we trek over to Deacon Hill and back again. My red legs have just about recovered by the time I take on Sharpenhoe. A very sharp ascent, but a very short distance. Perfect for me right now as I only have a few days to go and I dont want to overdo it.

Though I havent been bothered with it during my training, I am concerned about Joint pain when I shall be trekking so I've bought some Kinesology Tape to take on the trek, but hopefully I won't need to use it.

My brother Bryan has lent me many things including a hydration pack which is totally amazing! Its really great because I can be hydrated whenever I want without the need to stop and take off my backpack. I've also found a gem in my Womens Fit backpack. It has extra Padding around the hips and doesnt do up over my boobs which is much more comfortable. Getting my kit together has taken me a few weeks and there always seems to be something else I need to get. Its been really educational to practice with it all too.

My Vaccinations weren't nearly as bad as I thought they would be, but my travel nurse was brilliant at distracting me whilst I had my Diptheria, Tetanus and Polio in one arm, and my Hepititus A and Typhoid in another. That left me with two dead arms for 4 days, but at least I didn't pass out on the day!

Two days before I go I miss not doing my training, but I know now its time to save it for the real thing!

The fundraising has been absolutely phenomenal and facebook and Twitter have helped me spread the word. Mums church St Faiths, the Parkinsons groups in North and West Herts and my work colleagues have all been wonderfully supportive and have really humbled me by their generosity and care. The day I leave 22/06/14 we have raised £1,725 for Parkinsons UK! Amazing.