About

Climbing a mountain seems like a pretty huge challenge from where I'm standing - overweight, no experience and a persistent dislike of sweatiness. I'm only going to climb this mountain once but I would like to know that it will help survivors who have to face challenges every day. Over the last year I have helped at one of START's projects, PODS (Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors). PODS works to make recovery from dissociative disorders a reality. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a creative survival mechanism for coping with overwhelming and chronic childhood trauma. Not many people have heard of it - although it's quite prevalent - and because treatment is long-term therapy, it is difficult for survivors to get enough help. So in February 2015, I will climb Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. It is 4095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level. The highest I've been so far is the Peak District (about 300 metres)... The aim of my trip is to raise as much money (and awareness!) as possible to help fund the amazing work of this charity. I'd encourage you to find out more at the PODS website (www.pods-online.org.uk).