In December 2017 I embarked on one of the most challenging weeks of my life. As part of a joint fundraising project 'Seeing is believing' with Standard Chartered Bank I climbed 19,341ft to the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world. 

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It took five days, three up and two down. The climb is like no other with each day the surroundings feeling like a different planet until finally reaching base camp. Setting off at 12 am and -12° all you could see was your feet with a head torch. The final stretch was the most challenging, battling with almost no breath because of the decrease in oxygen at altitude. 

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It was not only physically challenging but very mental. I took from this challenge a huge leap in confidence, I knew now I could push my limits and fears beyond what I ever thought before reaching the peak. 

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Alongside twenty-eight Standard Chartered global staff we raised over 220 million Tanzanian shillings, which will contribute to the project to on eye health and blinding diseases such as Trachoma. 

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After the climb, we travelled to visit a project in Singida that would benefit from the money raised. The project, which started in April 2016 will directly benefit over 310,000 people, including children. A new phase of the project is earmarked to start early next year with a focus on eye health and care for children in the Singida region. Over 170,000 children will directly benefit from the extension of the project. 

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We also visited a school which is part of the project. Whilst we were there we witnessed an eye screening. The school, which started in 1973, is inclusive of children with disabilities. Siuyu Primary school has implemented an inclusive approach to education since 2011 and the school currently has a total of 774 students of which 72 have disabilities (including both intellectual and physical disabilities). We learnt how crucial screening is for primary school children. Within an hour the optometrist and nurses were able to screen 37 students of which 13 students were found to have a range of eye problems – this is 35% of the total children screened.

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