Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Well, this crazy idea came into fruition just before the end of 2009, some inspiration from the internet and some grey matter working overtime and tah dah!

So here it is.

After a bout of illness starting in November 2009 I decided to raise awareness and some money for the NACC, so over the next 12 months I shall be undertaking 3 charity challenge treks to help raise awareness and money for The National Association for Colitis and Crohn's Disease.

As a sufferer of Colitis for the last 7 years (and not having a day without symptoms) suffering my first flare up in October 2009 (with a nice little spell in hospital to boot) ,and with nearly 3 months off work, has shown me how debilitating this disease can be. It has also shown me what little awareness there is for this condition.

The 3 challenges I shall be undertaking-

10 Highest Scottish Peaks in 48 hours

In June 2010, I shall be tagging along with the National Seal Sanctuary who are raising money for a new pool for Sahara, the UK's only resident Arctic Hooded Seal, http://tempuri.org/tempuri.html. We will all be climbing the 10 highest peaks in Scotland within 48 hours. Starting at 10am with an ascent of Ben Nevis, the UKs highest mountain at 4,409 ft. The first day covering 14 miles and 4 peaks. The second day, starting at Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre will consist of 22 miles and 5 peaks. We need to reach the summit of  tenth peak of Ben Lawers by 10am 48 hours later, not an easy task at all.

James Hankins, an employee of the National Seal Sanctuary has planned this trek and I have asked James (http://tempuri.org/tempuri.html), an experienced climber, to accompany me on the challenges I am organising below

National 3 Peaks Challenge in 24 hours 

In October 2010, I have organised a National 3 Peaks Challenge, again starting with an ascent and decent of Ben Nevis (4,409 ft) in Scotland, this is followed by an overnight drive of 250 miles to Seathwaite Farm, and ascent of Scafell Pike (3,208 ft) England. The final ascent being Snowdon (3,559 ft) Wales, after another drive of 240 miles. The challenge is complete once our backsides have been dragged to the top of Snowdon.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The final challenge, planned for February 2011, is a trek to Everest base camp (17,598 ft) and Kala Pather which overlooks Everest base camp (18,192 ft). This trek starts at Lukla (9,317 ft), as you can see quite a climb over the 13 days, but it does include a couple of essential altitude acclimatisation days.

Due to the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and side efects of my medication normal moor walking and trekking is difficult, even more difficult in another continent and timezone, these challenges will definitely put my determination (please read stubbornness) and what fitness I have to the test.

I'm attempting to fund the cost of these challenges myself so that all money raised goes to the NACC, so please give generously. If I can get 100 people to spare £15 each then I'd be halfway to my target. I would love to raise £5000 but realise this may be pushing peoples generosity a little.

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

So please dig deep and donate now and a BIG thank you for taking the time to read this and donating.

Al