Most of you will probably be thinking 'Climbing Everest - that's a pretty dumb idea' and I can't honestly think of a logical argument against such a view. Instead I will merely go with the immortal line of Mallory's when asked why he wanted to climb Everest? his response "Because it's there".

So now you're all safely snuggled up warm in the knowledge that I'm several sandwiches short of a picnic (or points short of a crampon if you will, or just generally short thinking about it) we can get on with me asking you to hand over some cash whilst I freeze in the snow at minus 40C trying to climb to nearly nine kilometers above sea level.

The aim of the expedition is to raise awareness and money for the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Everest ER. The reason being that Jen and I have just returned from a stint volunteering with the HRA in Nepal, so we know the charity, know the work they do and know the gear they need. The truth is that any money you generously decide to donate will help to keep these charities going and help them to continue saving lives and treating the local population. For more information on the charities please see the expedition website at www.EdonEverest.com.

I'm paying for the cost of the expedition myself, so any money you kindly decide to donate goes to the charities - all of it. However it will go via the Everest Memorial Trust, the UK arm of the HRA (they built the clinic and pay for its upkeep in case you were wondering). Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe, JustGiving will 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.

I know it's not a good time to be asking people to part with their hard earned cash, but please do, even if its just for the warm fuzzy feeling you get from doing a good deed for those less well off than ourselves.

Thanks for your support

Ed

P.S. Please keep checking the website for updates and news, cheers.

(*If for what ever reason I don't make it all the way up, then it will be the time of the first successful team member or a name will be drawn at random - and you can still have the whistle)