In 2002 I was unlucky enough to get the illness M.E.

Hard work, luck and a strong support network helped me achieve full fitness by Christmas 2006. Four years with the illness taught me a lot. Make the most of everything you've got. Anyone can make a difference.

Having worked with the British Heart Foundation for 3 years since my recovery, I am EXTREMELY excited about having the freedom to say YES! I'm going to climb to Everest Base Camp (5400m) (via the peaks of Gokyo Ri and Kala Patar) and raise crucial funds to help save lives.

My route to Everest will offer many challenges. My plan to summit Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar will involve facing altitudes as high as 5,550m (without using Sherpas to carry any of my gear). Whilst battling the elements, I will also witness wonders such as the snow and ice filled Cho La Pass, Namche Bazaar (the Sherpa capital) and Gorak Shep (the old Base Camp from the 1953 Everest Expedition). Hopefully these historic sites will spur me on during the tough times ahead!

Please support me, the expedition team and my charities by digging deep and making a difference :)

Woking and Sam Beare Hospices is another amazing charity and entirely self-funded.

More info:

Woking & Sam Beare Hospices - Is self funded and has to raise £4.9m per annum to
keep the hospice doors open which provides care for terminally ill patients and their
families. The hospice provides care for people aged 18 and over who have a life limiting
illness. The money raised for them will help to maintain care nurses working for one year
and aid in recruiting other much needed nurses for the hospice in the local community.

The British Heart Foundation - Every day they save lives, through pioneering research,
providing vital information to help people reduce their own heart health risks,
campaigning for change and supporting and caring for heart patients. The money raised
will go towards child health education to get children living more active lives and the
importance of eating healthy food. Child obesity is on the increase in the UK and has
risen tenfold over the last 10 years. The BHF is committed, as we all should be, in getting
children active and away from tv and computer games and eating real, healthy and
nutritious food not the junk that is being advertised by profit hungry junk food
corporations.

My fundraising target is a minimum of £5,000 with the first £2,200 (44%) through my
JustGiving account going towards expedition participation costs. The remaining £2,700
and above will go to both Woking Hospice and The British Heart Foundation on a 50/50
equal share basis.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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 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.

Please support me, the expedition team and my charities by digging deep and making a difference :)