Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As usual, I've signed up once again to push my skills, limits and endurance to new heights. After the successful British "3 peaks in 24hrs" and "Kilimanjaro" challenges, I needed something "bigger, bolder and braver" for 2013, my 40th year! Having stood on the roof of England, Scotland, Wales & Africa, conquering the highest mountain in Western Europe seemed the next logical (???) step.  Mont Blanc - The King of the Alps, and one of the deadliest mountains in the world. At 15,781ft, this epic peak has claimed over 8000 lives with its notorious "dark side" which manifests itself with avalanches, rock-falls and cruel weather. 

And this time though, it's more than just a "Trek" to the top! This is a technical climb, using crampons, ice-axe, harness and alpine climbing equipment to try and reach my goal. The "fell walker" must become a "mountaineer"! I'm having to learn new skills, sacrifice time, money and all my simple pleasures to discipline myself in preparation for this formiddable challenge. 

I'm doing this for St John's Hospice Lancaster. A small, but big-hearted, and incredibly humble local charity that has touched me, my family, my friends and colleagues over recent years. I can't think of a more difficult job than nursing a terminally ill person through their final days. And at the same time, doing it with so much love and sensitivity, not only to the patient, but also their families. The care & compassion they showed to my my Auntie Linda during her final few weeks was something I'll never forget. I owe them a debt of gratitude.

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. Alternatively, you can text your donation by texting MONT73 plus your donation amount (e.g. £5) to 70070

So please dig deep and donate now.