Updated 8th February 2011

We are pleased to advise we did the off piste heliskiing on 31st January after landing by helicopter 3,300 metres high on the Triente glacier near Verbier in the Swiss alps. It took as we thought about 6 hours for the long descent back to the village. It was an awesome experience amidst incredible scenery in a completely untamed environment dealing with crevasses, steep slopes, rocks and certainly not least the ever present risk of avalanche. Special thanks to our Chamonix Guide, Franck Chapon, whom we would definitely recommend to anyone considering a similar activity in that region.

Most importantly we have now exceeded our target of raising £1,000 for "Help For Heroes" even before "gift aid" is added on. To those who have already donated our warmest thanks and we acknowledge a kind contribution from AEGON

For others if you feel able to make a contribution now please do whether on or off line. The need for donations to this worthy charity doesn't stop here.

In any event to everyone we hope you will enjoy looking at the photos we have uploaded to the left.

Thank you

Tony and Marion

Thanks for taking the time to visit Tony and Marion's JustGiving page.

In January 2011 we are going helisking in the Swiss resort of Verbier to raise money for "Help For Heroes"

The most important thing first - why Help For Heroes? From the link on the left you will see the tremendous work they do to support our armed forces and their families. Taking just one conflict for example, Afghanistan, did you know that as of 20 October  2010, British forces have suffered 341 fatalities and 1,499 wounded in action. Another 2,848 have suffered from disease or non-battle injuries. These numbers are shocking and more troops are being killed and injured every day so Help For Heroes needs YOUR support

Next what is heliskiing? Basically a helicopter drops you off at a remote point high up on a mountain and then you ski down off piste -  in Verbier we are planning a 10,000 feet descent. This will take about 6 hours and is skiing in its purest form far away from crowds and the groomed pistes of ski resorts. However it is not without its dangers such as the ever present risk of avalanche, shifting glaciers and deep crevasses all of which makes it essential to do this with a qualified guide. It is also physically demanding and so a strict gym regime begins right now for us both. Heliskiing is illegal in some countries such as France but possible to do in others such as Switzerland. Verbier in particular is widely regarded as one of the best off piste locations in the world

We will be financing everything ourselves and therefore every single penny we raise will go towards Just Giving in aid of this extremely worthy charity. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. 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 - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. We are pleased to advise that Help for Heroes has approved this initiative

Many thanks in advance

Tony & Marion