My name is Shelly Westley. I am a single mum of four beautiful children and I live in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. 

Like most people, I'm just trying to surf life's roller-coaster of waves and roll with the punches; whilst also living my dreams, goals and sharing my passion... 

Last year, following my eldest son losing two of his school mates to leukaemia, I was confronted with many questions from my children (Harry 14, Jim 13, Patrick 7 and Alana 6) about life and death. I remember Alana asking "Mummy, why do children die?" As I have been a Registered Nurse for over 15 years (much of that time spent working in ICU and trauma) and as a person with strong spiritual values and beliefs; I was able to explain that death is part of life... 

At that very difficult time, I found strength and hope for myself and my children in telling them that not only can we pray for these young boys and their families; but we can also help others and give hope by raising money for research to find a cure and to provide care to the many Australians diagnosed with leukaemia every day.

So, In March 2016, I participated in the WORLD'S GREATEST SHAVE and I shaved off my long black hair with a razor at half time of the NTFL Grand Final at the TIO Stadium. Thanks to the love, support and generosity of the Darwin community and beyond, in just 7 weeks we raised over $28,600; being the highest fundraisers in the Northern Territory and second in Australia.

Now, as an Authorised Fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation Inspired Adventures Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge 2017; on the 1st June 2017 I will set off to climb the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, the highest free-standing mountain in the world; to again raise awareness and support for the Leukaemia Foundation in their 'Vision to Cure and Mission to Care'. 

In order to be a part of this Inspired Adventures Challenge it was a requirement to raise $4,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia. I have been very passionately fundraising and I have currently raised in excess of $14,000.00. 

You too can climb to new heights for cancer by being part of 'Shelly's Climb for Cancer' and showing your support and generosity in a few ways.  All support and generosity is so very greatly appreciated and really does make a difference...

If you would like to make a donation (of any amount) direct to the Leukaemia Foundation (tax deductable) please make your donation here at ‘Get Your Blood Pumping Shelly Westley'.

If you would like to 'Help Shelly Climb Mt Kilimanjaro' to raise awareness for blood cancer and to help cover the many associated costs with participating in the Leukaemia Foundation Inspired Adventures Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge 2017; you can make your donation (non tax deductable) at GoFundMe.com/HelpShellyClimbMt-Kilimanjaro

You can also become part of the 'Wall of Roses' appeal by going to www.wallofroses.com.  The 'Wall of Roses' began as a dream and was founded to unite and connect people in the fight against blood cancer.  The red rose was chosen as it is a symbol of passion, abiding love and courage.  Make your $100 (or more) donation direct to the Leukaemia Foundation (tax deductable) and receive a life like, single, long stemmed, 'Wall of Roses Supporter' (labelled) red rose.

Any person, business or organisation that wishes to make a $500 (or more) donation (tax deductable) or contribution* (non tax deductable) will receive a larger ‘Wall of Roses Sponsor’ (labelled) red rose. Businesses are encouraged to take a photo of their rose with their logo to publicly acknowledge and promote their business as a 'Wall of Roses Sponsor'. 
(*A contribution can be in the form of a voucher, money, a prize, provision of services or venue etc). 

[FREE local delivery or pickup.  If postage is required, cost = donation postage.  Please phone Shelly 0417897184 or email shellywestley1@outlook.com to make arrangements].

It is asked that each person take a photo of themselves with their rose so it can be added to the ‘Wall of Roses’ gallery.  Please send photos to shellywestley1@outlook.com. 

It is my dream to have 2,000 photos on the ‘Wall of Roses’. Just 2,000 roses = $200,000! 

My dream was inspired by a book that I read as a child at school, ‘Sadako and the thousand paper cranes’; a story of one girl’s journey of faith, hope and prayer for peace, change and good health.

The momentum of kindness and support from the Darwin community and the Northern Territory people for ‘Shelly’s Climb for Cancer’ has been amazing so far and is spreading fast. I dream and believe that together we will raise $200,000 to help fight blood cancer and the many Australian lives that are affected by it every day. 

On a more personal level, my transformation and growth both physically and mentally since the WORLD'S GREATEST SHAVE 2016 has been an incredible journey and I sincerely thank the people of Darwin and my family and friends for all of their love and support. After being diagnosed with Bipolar in 2013 and unable to practice clinically as a Registered Nurse since June 2015; I have survived my many struggles and am learning to thrive by focusing on my ability rather than my disability. I have taught my children to never let your current situation determine and limit your future... that it doesn't matter who or what you are, you can achieve anything in life when you dream big and believe... I'm a single mum, currently on Centrelink, living in NT commission housing... but I strongly believe that no one and nothing can define or limit you except you. I have lost over 25kgs so far (Size 16/18 down to Size 10) and I have a way to go yet before I reach the top of that mountain. But when I get there, I will stand tall, proud and grateful for all of the support that I have received and I will feel blessed that together we will have helped thousands of Australians diagnosed with leukaemia. 

For further information please contact me on:
Email: shellywestley1@outlook.com
Mobile: 0417897184
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShellysClimbforCancer/
Instagram: shellywestley 

As an Authorised Fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation's Get Your Blood Pumping Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge 2017 I am actively raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation in the ways clearly outlined above.

The money raised through my GoFundMe page (as stated in the title) will 'Help Shelly Climb Mt Kilimanjaro' and go towards covering the costs involved in participating in this Inspired Adventures Challenge, which total in excess of $9,000.00 (being for Registration, Inspired Adventures Travel, Equipment and clothing, Visa, Airfaires, Insurance, Immunisations..).  As a single mum of four children, currently living in Darwin and barely surviving on Centrelink... every bit of kindness, generosity and support is greatly appreciated. Your donation will help me climb the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro whilst raising awareness and support for blood cancer and the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia.

Thank you so much for your time in reading this, for your kindness, generosity and support.

Love and light to you and your family, today and always,

Shelly Westley x