SUCCESS!  I made it to both Base Camp and Kala Patter.  It's the most difficult thing I've done in years, but so very worth it. 

I suffered altitude sickness, fell three times, chipped a tooth, broke a nail, and got into a tussle with a yak...

THANKS to everyone who has donated so far - every penny is much appreciated.

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I will be flying out to Nepal then trekking through the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp for www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk.  The trek is arduous: 12 days' ascent (descending in 2 days) plus 2 acclimatisation days.  From the scary Lukla airstrip, it's all high altitude, before reaching Base Camp at 5,364 metres (17,598 ft), hopefully taking in the peak of Kala Pattar - altitude 5,545 metres (18,192 ft) - and there is only 50% oxygen up there!!  Not everyone makes it!!  A friend did the trek recently - and watched someone die from altitude sickness...  

Blisters, altitude sickness, Khumbu throat and frost nip are all awaiting me - as well as the yak trains that threaten to throw trekkers off the mountain edges!  And those hole-in-the-ground toilets...  

100% of all money kindly donated will go to my charity, www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk - my flights, kit and training weekends have all been paid for (don't ask how much - I'll total it when I return!).

There is currently no cure for either Crohn's or Colitis, but this charity offers support for sufferers and their families - please be generous with your donations as it will be encouraging when I'm flagging on the trek and wishing I hadn't started this nonsense!

Please dig deep, and thank you x