I'm a journalist and I spend most of my time chained to my desk. But in September I'll be venturing out into the fresh air as I attempt to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro as a member of the Brains SA Captains Climb team.
I won't be walking alone. Instead I'll be trying to keep up with 15 former Wales captains and coach Warren Gatland on every step of the 19,340ft climb.
You can read more about the challenge on WalesOnline by clicking here.
I will also be walking in the footsteps of my great uncle Henry who attempted to conquer Kilimanjaro in June 1933 with a small naval party - two of whom suffered from the effects of altitude sickness and malaria. Paymaster Lieutenant H R Harold reached Gilman's Point at the rim of the crater before turning back.
In his account of his attempt to climb Kibo, Henry wrote: "The big question now arose as to whether to go on and reach the highest point which was around the edge of the crater and about another hour away.
"The body did not feel too bad, but the spirit was flagging. There was no companion to urge me on, and at the back of my mind was the thought that it might have been unwise to allow the two sick men to try and walk back by themselves."
He added: "In the end and with the mind making excuses I turned my back on the top and started the descent.
"I have salved my conscience by the thoughts of a late start, no time for more, worry about the sick, mist, and the thought of the trek back to Peter’s that day."
The Brains SA Captains Climb is the brainchild of WRU photographer Huw Evans, whose wife Sue was diagnosed with lung cancer last year. The event aims to raise £1m for Velindre Cancer Centre's Stepping Stones appeal, which will further research into lung cancer and raise awareness of this deadly disease. Too often we think of lung cancer in terms of smoking and dismiss it as a self-inflicted punishment for years of abuse.
I am keen to support Velindre in any way that I can. My mother, Bea Brindley, who lost her fight against ovarian cancer in 1986, received treatment at the Cardiff hospital.
I have a huge target to reach and thank everyone of you who donates.
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.
