In May 2011 I will be taking on my biggest challenge to date. I will be climbing to the highest point in the world – MOUNT EVEREST The summit of Mount Everest is 8850 metres or 29029 ft high and the climb will take me 9 weeks through the toughest terrain and in freezing temperatures. Just look through my CV of fundraising and you’ll see I always enjoy a challenge but I combine my quest for adventure with the passion for helping worthy charities. Earlier this year I was invited to tour my local hospice Saint Francis Hospice. I was so impressed with the level of care and support that the hospice gives to local people and their families as they deal with the trauma of life limiting illness. The support offered ranges from a day centre, triage lines and palliative care nurses visiting patients at home. They have a 22 bedded in patient unit but patients can be cared for in their own homes with the same trained nurses, if that is their preferred place of care. Bereavement counselling is also offered to both adults and children as they try to cope with the loss of a loved one. The nursing staff are wonderful and all the services are offered free of charge. Saint Francis will care for over 4000 people every year and it will cost £6.7million. I’ve already raised funds for Saint Francis but after my tour I realised that climbing Everest might be the chance to make a significant donation and help others who will never be lucky enough to take on a challenge like this – I’m doing it for them. To celebrate my 50th birthday in September I will be climbing the world’s 6th highest mountain – as a warm up. Cho Oyu is a mere 8201 metres high.
I hope you will sponsor me on my journey and help me raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice. Please click the justgiving link at the bottom of this page.
(Above) Jul-09 - Reaching the peak of Mount Denali
In May 2011 I will be taking on my biggest challenge to date. I will be climbing to the highest point in the world – MOUNT EVEREST
