Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.  

UPDATE:  We are now back!  The trip has been very successful and altogether we have raised over £60,000 (after costs) so we are all very pleased and thank you to everyone for your support.  The walking was much harder than I expected, largely due to the effects of altitude, but by the end we were able to walk at a fairly rapid pace for a long time.  Wind chill on the summit was -35 and winds at 95 mph!  Food was great and plenty of it (always soup and fruit for lunch, with a big breakfast) and accommodation was excellent.  Give me a ring and I'll tell you all about it!

In January next year I am going on a ten day trek in Ecuador to raise money for two charities:  Steps, which supports adults and children with lower limb conditions and Reach, which helps children with hand or arm deficiencies. 

Both charities work closely with the families of children born with limb abnormality or absence, giving reassurance that they are not alone and helping them get the best support and treatment.  In my job as a prosthetist, fitting people with artificial limbs, I see everyday the huge difference that Steps and Reach make to these families. 

The trek involves arduous climbing at high altitude.  The highest point we will ascend to is the summit of Cotopaxi, which at 5897m is the tallest active volcano in the world.  I am looking forward to the view from the top, but getting there is going to take some careful preparation. 

Training is getting serious now and the dogs are looking skinnier with longer evening walks along the Mersey- I'd better up their rations!  My boots are getting dirtier so I must be doing something right. 

Thanks to everyone who came to Sunday tea at Darley Road, especially all of you who helped out and made cakes.  It was a great day and we raised £220.   .

A big thank you to everyone at the RSL Steeper conference who pledged money.  RSL are going to match the money pledged, so your pledges are worth even more.

Thanks particularly to Laraine who has worked really hard collecting money and raised an absolutelty fantastic amount of sponsorship for me.

There are 18 of us going on the trek, so with your help we will be able to make a real difference to these charities.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Reach and Steps Charity Worldwide 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.

I aim to raise £2750, so please sponsor me now!

Thank you for your support.

I have paid £500 personally towards the costs of the expedition.  The balance of the expedition costs will be paid by the charities.  The remaining sponsorship money (which will be at least 60% of the minimum sponsorship) will be shared equally between the two charities.