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So, why am I doing this? Well several reasons. For the last 2 years, in January, I have been hooked for hours on end watching orange triangles move across an OS Map on my laptop in a race called the Spine. The Spine is the Pennine Way, all 268 miles. Those guys, well the elite athletes, can do the entire distance from Edale to Kirk Yetholm in under 110 hours, less than 5 days!

Whilst obviously a natural athlete, by my own admission I'm not quite 'match-fit' to actually enter the race and worry the elite yet. But what made me sit up was a competitor called Dave Lee, who is in his 60's and 2015 saw him enter his 3rd Spine Race #Bonkers. Dave is ex Army, and this may well shock some of you, but I too was ex Army! Well, if Dave can do it, so can I and what with your backing, I'll have no other option but to don my size 9 APC's* and do-oo-ooh-it; Huzzah!

So, and I can hear the gasps of genuine shock at this news, I'm 50 this year and a challenge is long overdue. The last challenge was parachuting in Cyprus in 1986 in which I ended up in hospital, but that's another story. So what better way than the Pennine Way in 10 days. That's my aim, or less, but even if it takes me a few days more than my target; regardless, I will complete the PW.

I will be carrying my kit (c25 - 30 lbs), sleeping in a tent and I will be self sufficient during the day (other than where I can obtain drinking water or a pint of Ale). Obviously my once learnt survival skills will be used again in order eat off the land. I shall fish using the 'tickle-un-stun-the-buggers' technique as well as laying nets to ensnare eels, salmon, sturgeon and crocodiles. I Shall of course be setting hand made traps to catch birds, squirrels, rabbits, wallaby, sheep and giraffes. Then again, perhaps even a simple bar meal and a couple of pints of Thruttock's Best as a treat. But you get the idea. No transporting equipment between stops, no Sir! Simply me, walking with me kit from Edale to Kirk Yetholm focused on touching the wall of the Pub....Then going in for a pint of heavy, quarter pound cheese burger and chups (mit mayo). 

Up until now, like most of us, I have given to various charities  over the years and marvelled at those who have raised money from their actions and acts of derring-do. I am sure you will concur that my challenge is not only an act of derring-do but one of epic adventure, real 'Boy's own' stuff. Well maybe not, more 'soon to be 50 goes out the door and keeps walking', but you've read this far so what are you waiting for, donate!

So thank you for giving what you can. Updates will appear as and when required.....but obviously daily when I set orf from Edale once the clocks spring forward and weather permitting (snow or gale force winds forecast would be a no-go and quite frankly silly), so as they say, watch this space.

*APC - Armoured Personnel Carriers = Boots

This next section is to thank the following sponsors for donating kit in response to one hell of a cheeky blagging email:

Snugpak - Thank you to Stewart for all his help and for providing the following for use, abuse and review:

ML6 Softie Snock

Chrysalis3 Sleeping Bag

Premium Airmat

Trekitt - Massive thank you to Paul, their MD, for his generosity at donating the following:

1 x Mountain Equipment Arclight jacket Cayenne large

1 x Rab Xiom Pant Beluga large

1 x Pilgrim HL GTX MTP Forest size 10

Asolo - Very kindly donated:

Power Matic 200 GV