Well, I had to do something significant to mark my half-century!  So I'm trekking to Everest Base Camp from 7th - 23rd November, in aid of Practical Action.  This charity helps people in developing countries to use simple technology to improve their lives. For instance, they have introduced stoves and smoke hoods into huts to reduce respiratory disease caused by smoke inhalation, and worked with farmers to build crescent-shaped terraces around trees to minimise water loss and soil erosion. One great innovation Practical Action has developed in Nepal is a gravity ropeway which means that communities in hugely mountainous areas can get their produce to market quicker and with less damage.  They've also set up micro hydro power projects for some villages in the Himalayas.

The trek is comfortingly labelled "extreme" by the organisers, Charity Challenge, and takes us up to heights of 5647m, just above Base Camp.  It will be camping all the way (except for a hotel in Kathmandu) and conditions will be pretty basic, though we do have the luxury of yaks carrying the kit.

I am funding the cost of the trip myself, so all your sponsorship will go to Practical Action - I am not asking you to pay for my "holiday", though that probably isn't a very appropriate word anyway!  I am just starting my training for the trek  - today's effort included putting the treadmill up to the steepest incline it would do...........

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Practical Action will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks indeed for your support.

Alison