In a quite breathtaking display of altruism – one which, self-evidently, borders on common-or-garden lunacy – we, the under-signed, have decided to walk up a very large hill in the new year to raise invaluable funds for those loveable rogues at Everton in the Community.

 Of course, troopers and Evertonians that we are, the hill in question is neither hump nor mound – no, it is Mount Kilimanjaro, which at 19,340 feet represents the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Everton in the Community is one of Britain’s most productive and highly-respected community organizations – one which is selflessly dedicated to providing a wide range of programmes which focus on health, education, disability and social inclusion.

Although our preparations have gone exceedingly well, we are all fully aware that we are now nearing the end of what could best be termed our “ pre-season “ and that the real campaign will begin in earnest all too soon – January to be precise.

It goes without saying that this will come to represent the most demanding and arduous physical and mental challenge any of us will ever undertake.

Of course, we very much welcome your best wishes and your kind words of encouragement – but we also want your money…… lots of it please.

So, donate if you can……….a small amount, a large amount….it doesn’t matter……it will go to a good cause…and we will all be very grateful.

Dig deep – and thanks very much.

Martin, Bob, Carena and Phil et al