Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and  a further big thank you if you do agree to sponsor me in this lunacy.

Caring Matters Now is a charity that helps support families with children born with CMN Syndrome, a very rare congenital condition with no current known cause and limited treatment options. CMN Syndrome comes with an increased risk of Cancer and in some cases can result in neurological problems and premature fatalities.  

The Charity is the main source of funding for vital research at Great Ormond Street Hospital, to try and identify why it occurs and future treatments, as well as providing specialist advice for families and treatment for children with the condition.  

This is a Charity very close to my heart, my own little boy James was born with this condition in 2006, and is treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is why I am trying to do my bit and raise a bit of money for Caring Maters Now, who have been a great support since James was born.  

Never being one to do anything by half, I have signed up for a charity challenge, with other parents of children with CMN Syndrome, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2011, and hopefully raise money for Caring Matters Now to continue to fund this vital research. 

My "road to Kilimanjaro" does not start there though ! In preparation for the challenge (and in an attempt to encourage you all to cough up a bit extra cash, particularly when times are hard), I intend to punish myself further.

In March 2011 I completed the Wilmslow Half Marathon. 

In June 2011 I completed the Ronhill Trailrunner Half Marathon in the Great Langdale area of the Lake District.

And if that wasn't enough.......

In September 2011, (three weeks before I depart to Kilimanjaro) I will be doing the "Para 10" (the ultimate 10 mile endurance race, over the course of the Parachute Regiment's P Company test) carrying a rucksack weighing 35lb and wearing military style boots.

So if you do feel inclined to part with some of your hard earned cash, just think of it like you are getting "four for the price of one".

Hopefully my inevitable suffering will convince you to donate anything you can afford, believe me even the smallest contribution will all help me get some where close to my target of £3,000.00.

I am personally paying for my own travel and accomodation costs, so the maximum financial benefit goes to Caring Matters Now..

I am extremely grateful for all those who are supporting me in this endeavour. To all the lads doing the Para 10 in September to raise a bit of extra cash to support my funraising efforts, .....ultimate respect!! A special mention to Steve H, who has not only got a few together to do the Para 10, but turned out the other week to do the Ron Hill trailrunner with me. Steve has also raised a considerable ammout from the Sponsored Shaving of the ridiculously long moustache he grew for about a year. Steve I am massively in your debt. .

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.

So please, please, please dig deep and donate what you can now.