Story

It is six years now since I was diagnosed with tongue cancer and I consider myself very fortunate that I was treated successfully and made a full recovery.  My treatment would not have  been possible if it was not for all the research carried out by organisations such as Cancer Research UK, who are almost entirely financed through public fundraising.  I am a regular fundraiser for Cancer Research UK and so far I have raised over £17,000. I have set myself an ambitious goal to reach a total of £25,000 and to help achieve this my next and greatest challenge will be a sponsored trek to Everest Base Camp on 4 November 2011.  The challenge will take 17 days, 9 days of which will be trekking, the remaining days for travel and altitude acclimation, I will be joining 20 others on a trek organised by charity challenge, covering 70 miles, sleeping under canvas and climbing to a altitude of 18,500ft which is over 5 times as high as Snowdon. At Everest base camp the oxygen content will be ½ that of sea level and during the trek the temperatures will range from + 20 to -10. This is for me truly an extreme challenge one which I undertake in the hope that the money raised will help others with cancer.   The trek will be funded personally by me so all the money raised will go directly to Cancer Research UK    Any donation would be much appreciated to help achieve my goal     I'm back safe and sound!!   The trek to Everest base camp was one of the hardest challenges that I have ever done, it pushed my mental and physical stamina to the limits .  Trekking over rough steep terrain for 6 to 10 hours per day over 10 days,  however it was an incredible experience, the scenery was fantastic with clear skies and fabulous views  and the people of Nepal were very friendly and welcoming.     The trek was made harder by the unusual low temperatures for the time of year which on occasions hit -20 and made sleeping under canvas very uncomfortable  and on the final day to Everest base camp several of those trekking with me fell ill due to the altitude and cold and had to be evacuated by helicopter !   Reaching base camp was a very emotional experience and one I will never forget  (and never volunteer to do again!)  .   Oh and my total now raised now stands at £22,163 a big thank you to all those who have sponsorded me     John         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 Cancer Research UK and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate  John