Trustee and treasurer of the charity Home-Start Uttlesford, Adele Tapping, has set herself an awe-inspiring challenge – to climb Kilimanjaro.

Adele, a chartered accountant, has described it as “an extraordinary personal challenge”, but through which she plans to raise money for not one, but two charities close to her heart, Home-Start and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

“I have great empathy for and huge respect for all those involved and who enable these charities to support so many families through difficult times,” said Adele, who lives with husband Steve and children Chris and Lindie in Great Chesterford.

“When I reached 50 last year I was disappointed that I had not done anything out of the ordinary.

“I have always wanted to climb Kilimanjaro and I had intended to do so before I was 40, but with other commitments I never seemed to find the time to plan anything.

“I was not feeling very fit and so I decided to start training with a personal trainer and he encouraged me to focus my training with an end challenge, one that I felt that I would never be able to do.

“I fly out to Tanzania on October 9 and start my climb two days later. I hope to reach the summit by the 18th.”

She said how she became aware of the amazing work carried out by EACH when last year a friend, fitness coach Mark Nicol, had two twin daughters Chloe and Maisey. Tragically, Chloe died a few days later from severe heart problems.

“Chloe spent her few days of life at the hospice and the family received support during and long after this,” said Adele, who recalled how Mark said the care and support they received from the wonderful staff was beyond what they could have hoped for at such a tough time.

Adele has been involved for many years with Home-Start Uttlesford, which aims to give every child the best possible start in life by helping parents having difficulties.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro is a massive challenge, but I am really looking forward to it,” said Adele who is financing the trip herself.

“I would really appreciate any support and anyone who wants to make a donation can do so through my page on Virgin Money Giving. It will be quickly processed and all the money raised will be passed on to the two charities equally.”

For details on how to support Adele in her quest, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdeleTapping.