I'm Matt Richardson and during lockdown I devised a plan to quit my job as an accountant and travel the world. Rather than wandering aimlessly I thought I would create a target to keep me focused and ensure I made the most of every moment - thus the 50 peak challenge was created!

I aim to climb the highest mountain in 50 countries over the course of a year. My trip will start in Europe on 20th August 2022, where I will buy a banger and start driving in a roughly clockwise direction, first passing through the 'modest' high point of Denmark (basically a random field) before heading up to the Arctic Circle through Norway, Sweden and Finland, before making my way down eastern Europe. I aim to get down to southern Europe before the Autumn snow really sets in on the peaks.

After completing the European peaks I will travel to Mexico, down to Central America, then spend a month performing fieldwork for the University of Birmingham in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest and then on to the big one, Aconcagua (6,961m), in Argentina, spending a month for acclimatisation and the expedition.

From there I will start the Asian leg before scrambling around to see where I can logistically and financially get to in Africa and the Middle East to complete the 50 peaks.

When deciding who to raise money for I really couldn't look past Malaria Consortium - no charity does as much as these guys in saving the lives of children under 5 from across Africa and Asia, truly a great cause, so please give generously!

I also have a page for me personally if you want to donate to give me 'treats', such as the luxury of a  3 minute hot shower in a mountain hut or a refuge bunk bed for a night rather than my tent. Please give to MalariaConsortium first! Link below:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/climb-the-highest-mountain-in-50-countries?qid=f2a0521b1deeae9d07c1a23b141bf7c6

Track my progress and peak by peak updates on Instagram:

@richardson_richardson

Or follow me on Strava for detailed maps with GPS, elevation and heart rate tracking of the challenge and the training events:

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/bXD9X3Rzmrb

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.