TEENAGE CANCER TRUST
IS A CHARITY DEVOTED TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH CANCER

Teenage Cancer Trust relies on people like me persuading people like you to support our efforts - in this case the challenge of attempting to conquer the summit of Africa's highest mountain. This is one of the main ways Teenage Cancer Trust raises funds its vital work for the 6 teenagers a day who are told that they have cancer.

Cancer is worrying enough at any age, but for teenagers who would normally be looking forward to new experiences and relationships, it can bring that whole future into question.

Teenage Cancer Trust sets up specialist facilities where teenagers with cancer can lead as near-normal a life as possible, within NHS hospitals. Without a Teenage Cancer Trust unit, teenagers end up in young children's wards with cuddly toys, or on wards with much older adults, which can be isolating and intimidating. Given that teenagers with cancer can spend months in hospital, they really need an environment where they are with people of their own age, and where there are pool tables, Playstations and internet access. The charity also arranges conferences and offers support, advice and information for medical and nursing staff, as well as for teenagers themselves.

So in June 2010 I got my walking boots out and spent 2 weeks fighting the cold, altitude and exhaustion of trekking up Kilimanjaro. Your task is a lot easier - just click on the JustGiving logo and tap in a few numbers from your debit/credit card.

Thanks!
Nigel Turner

The BIG K....

Kilimanjaro rises to 5,895m - that's nearly 6km into the sky! ...or 19,340ft if you prefer.

Every continent has its highest mountain, but Africa's is the only one which can be reached without specialist climbing equipment, with the highest point being on the rim of a (hopefully) extinct volcano.

It's no kitten - above 3,000 metres the reduced oxygen in the air means that breathing becomes more laboured - however fit you are - and temperatures plummet to well below freezing.