To cap off an extraordinary year and savour every moment of 2011, I embarked on the journey of a lifetime: an attempt to summit the tallest mountain on the largest continent on Earth – Kilimanjaro.
 

On October 5th, I made my way to Heathrow Airport and, with little introduction aside from the occasional group email, met 15 other climbers, all united by their connection to MND.
 

This adventure not only exposed me to the elements but also to the camaraderie born from the shared vision of a world free of MND.
 

Attempting to convey the myriad of emotions – joy, despair, love, pain, and enlightenment – that I experienced in Africa, on Kilimanjaro, and alongside the incredible individuals I met along the way would be an impossible task. Yet, reaching the summit (Uhuru Peak) was an awe-inspiring moment, especially knowing that Kilimanjaro was later recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa in February 2013.
 

All I can say is, for any reason, whether for charity or personal challenge, you must take on the towering majesty of Africa's Standing Heavens. Proceed pole-pole (slowly-slowly) and conquer, or at the very least attempt to conquer, Kilimanjaro. You won't be disappointed.