Hi Everyone

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. I am now back home after my expedition to Everest, which I did to celebrate my 50th birthday. I got to the South Summit at 8751m on 19 May 2009. Thank you all those who have supported me so far - all your wonderful comments spurred me on. All the money donated will be split between the Exodus Himlayan Community Support projects in Nepal.

For details of the projects see http://www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel/our-projects/himalayan-community-support

As many of you know I have set up many of these projects and have been closely involved with them all in the last few years. They include the Nava Kiran Orphanage in Kathmandu, the Thulopatel School in Nepal, the Markha Valley Project in Ladakh and the Solar Cooker Project in Nepal. It costs £5 to provide a desk for the Thulopatel School, £120 a year to sponsor a child's education and £200 for a solar cooker.

You can read all about the expedition on my blog http://www.valerieparkinson.vox.com 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Friends of Conservation 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.