I live in an ordinary Thornton Heath flat, work in an ordinary job in the city with an ordinary commute each day. But while I’ll never live up to the reputation of some Thornton Heath legends like composer Samuel Coleridge Taylor and grime artist Stormzy, I am working towards something that for me is extraordinary, writes Seanna Fallon.

At the age of  30,   in September I will be hiking the equivalent ascent of Mount Everest, using the peaks of the Lake District as part of a team of nine women.Over five days we’ll scale 43 peaks, 8,858 metres of elevation, carrying heavy packs and wild camping each night.

Our mission is to show women and girls that adventure isn’t just for rugged men with beards in far flung places. Adventure can be found right in the UK’s national parks, and is for everyone. I applied for the team because there aren’t enough role models for girls who are outdoorsy, and I want to change that. As part of our journey, we will be delivering talks to Brownies, Girl Guides and with marginalised women. As I struggle with serious mental health problems, I also want to share the positive effects of the outdoors on wellbeing.

The training is tough, from long walks with weighted backpacks, to strength sessions with my personal trainer, to pounding out laps around Thornton Heath Rec, but I want to make sure I’m in the best shape to be a strong team member.

We are seeking out brand partnerships, and are being supported by Columbia sportswear and the National Parks, Vivo Life nutrition and 1000 Mile socks. We have been featured in the media, and are using our voice to empower women and girls to lead their most adventurous life.

We are also raising money for Arise School in Tanzania to build a toilet and shower block. Many girls drop out of education when they start their periods as they have no way to stay clean.

You can sponsor at:

www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/everestadventure.

You can find out more about female adventuring at:

www.loveherwild.com

Contact:

editor@thorntonheathchronile.co.uk if you would like Seanna to come and talk to your group.