Hi Folks,

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

In October this year I'll be heading off to Nepal to begin my challenge to trek to Base Camp of Mount Everest. I'll be spending 19 days trekking through the Himalayas to get to Mount Everest and back. I'll be spending upto 10 hours a day trekking through this region with an ultimate goal of climbing to 18.370 feet above sea level which has 50% of the oxygen levels of London.

As some of you may know....the madness all began in March this year when I was taken into hospital for the second collapsed lung in 3 years and told I would need lung surgery to remove a significant diseased part of my lung. Recovering in hospital post surgery (and not able to walk more than 3 feet) I figured "what would be better than to stand at the foot of the giant of all giants!" ....so here I am 5 months later ready to go to where not many people have been before.

As part of the trip I'm trying to raise money for two wonderful causes: Lung Research at the Heart Hospital (without this type of institution I wouldnt be doing this trip) and for Nightingale House, a superb old age home that cares for over 130 residents and provides home for life, giving total security and peace of mind regardless of how much their physical or mental health may deteriorate. Through this page I'll be splitting the proceeds 50/50 for the two charities.  So if you want to see me sleeping in tents (with no electricity/mobile phone access or room service.... at minus 30 degrees for almost 3 weeks.....please please give generously!)..........whatever you can give would be ever so much appreciated

I'll be keeping a blog of the trip so please feel free to visit, see photos and see how I'm getting along. You can find this at: http://benstriptobasecamp.blogspot.com/

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Nightingale and The Heart Hospital gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

THANKS THANKS THANKS!