Hi - thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This is me - in the Lake District, fell walking - enjoying a recovery rate I hadn't thought possible - just 3 months previous, I'd had a disc replacement operation on my back.

I had the operation done in the middle of January - which left me able to walk little more than 200m a day, afterwards.

It was quite a big op, as the surgeon gains access through an incision just below the stomach.

So currently, I'm held together with 3 screws and an insert - check out the x-ray picture ! ( click on "photos" underneath the photo on the left ) - the material the insert is made from doesn't show up on the x-ray. There's also a picture of how it all sits together.

I'm looking for sponsors to help me raise funds for BackCare - a Charity recommended by my surgeon.

I was lucky enough to be covered by medical insurance through work, but many back pain sufferers don't have this option, so by supporting this Charity we're helping the work they do for people BEFORE they need operations such as mine.

Later this month, I'm in a group - including my wife -  heading off to climb Morocco's Jebel Toubkal - the highest mountain in North Africa at 13,671 ft ( Ben Nevis is 4,409 ft - so that's THREE Bens ! )

It might not be as well known as Kilimanjaro, but it'll still be quite a challenge.

So, if you've ever suffered with back pain - or know someone who has, please give generously.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.

Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails.

Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

It’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please dig deep and donate now.