My name is Dave Lawrence and I am a 55 year old retired firefighter. I worked for 30 years serving my local community which I feel very proud of and felt was a really rewarding career. I have always been a dedicated fitness fanatic and enjoyed the pleasure and pain of pushing myself to the limit. The challenge that I am about to undertake is going to be my toughest yet! I intend to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest on a Stairmaster Machine, which amounts to 58070 steps or 3871 floors of the average house in under 12 hours. I have been training for over a year to complete this challenge and to date I have completed 32000 steps in 5 hours as part of my training programme. Presently I am training 15 hours a week to get me prepared for the big day. Now you might be asking yourself why would anyone want to attempt this??.. Well, I want to try and raise awareness of the incredible service that Strathcarron Hospice provide for the people of Forth Valley and beyond. The difference they make to people's lives during very difficult circumstances is unmeasurable. Strathcarron is a charity very close to my families hearts so please support my challenge, and donate whatever you can as anything we can raise together can make such a huge impact on people's lives when they need it the most.                    Thank you in advance, Dave.

As an independent hospice, Strathcarron cares for over 1,400 people every year at a time when both they and their family need it most. The Hospice philosophy is about living until you die and the team ensure people have every opportunity to achieve their goals right up until the last moment. To do this, the charity needs to raise raise over £12,900 a day to keep its services running.Please support me as I challenge myself for Strathcarron Hospice. Just £24 can pay for one hour of nursing care and really will make a difference. Thank you.