A HELENSBURGH woman is making final preparations to raise money for a Scottish children’s charity – by climbing Africa’s highest mountain.

Polly Dunlop, 58, sets off for Kilimanjaro this Saturday, September 22 in a bid to raise £6,000 for Children 1st.

Polly, a housing officer with West Dunbartonshire Council, originally set herself a target of £4,500 – and has already beaten that, with £5,100 raised to date, prompting her to set a revised goal of raising £6,000 by the time she returns home.

Polly said: “Having trained as a volunteer mentor with Children 1st, I have seen first-hand the incredible work they do to help vulnerable young people and their families in local communities across the country.

“I’m at a stage in my life where I’m virtually free of responsibilities and still relatively fit for my age, so I wanted to do something that would really make a difference.

“When I first heard about the Kilimanjaro challenge I found myself saying ‘yes’ instead of ‘I’ll think about it’, but I haven’t regretted it one bit!”

Polly will be joined by 10 other Scots from all walks of life, including representatives from NHS, Brewin Dolphin and PWC, as they aim to fly the charity flag from the plateau after a 19,341ft endurance climb to raise funds to support children and their families who have faced trauma across Scotland.

She added: “Prepping for the trek has been hard work at times, but I’ve had a lot of fun.

“I tackled Ben More with a chest infection which was no easy feat, but it will stand me in good stead for the challenge ahead.

“I know when we reach the summit in the morning and watch the sunrise from the highest free-standing mountain in the world, it will be worth all the hard work.

“I’ve also really enjoyed hosting different fundraising initiatives from packing bags in local shops in Dumbarton, baking for colleagues and running a competition with Helensburgh Whisky Group – I’ve now even started making pots of my own bramble jelly!

“I wouldn’t have been able to do this challenge without the support and encouragement I’ve received from my family and friends, and most importantly, my partner, Alan.

“He has been my rock throughout the whole process and for that I’m extremely grateful – I hope I can do everyone proud.”

The money raised will help Children 1st’s ongoing work to promote the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children, young people and their families in Scotland by offering help and support to survivors of abuse, neglect and other childhood trauma.

After helping more than 10,000 children, young people and family members last year alone, Children 1st aim to continue their prevention, protection and recovery work across Scotland.

Mary Glasgow, interim CEO at Children 1st, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Polly and the team who have chosen to embark on this experience of a lifetime to raise crucial funds for Children 1st.

“It’s been humbling to witness the great fundraising efforts the group have gone to already and to see them put themselves forward for such a physically and mentally challenging adventure.

“Not only will this be an incredible experience for the participants, but the money raised will be life changing to children and families who are in desperate need of our support across Scotland.

“I wish Polly the best of luck in this adventure and look forward to hearing about it when she is back.”

If you would like to donate to Polly’s fund-raising effort, please visit her fundraising page at mountkilimanjaro2018.everydayhero.com/uk/polly.

For more information on Children 1st, including how to donate to the charity directly, visit children1st.org.uk.