My name is Brian Blessed. You know, the guy from Flash Gordon and Blackadder and all of that.

I have decided to take on the toughest challenge of my life so far.

On Sunday 13th June 2021, I will be embarking on a 24 hour sponsored silence. You may happen to know that I am rather partial to using this little voice of mine and so I am not expecting it to be a very easy day for me!

Some of you may have recently seen in the news that although the Covid-19 crisis is easing here in the UK, it is getting significantly worse in other countries including Nepal. A country I am very fond of. I have had huge affection for the people of Nepal ever since my many wonderful adventures there and my three attempts to climb the mighty Mount Everest.

Since 2015, I have been a proud patron of a fantastic Nepal charity, PHASE Worldwide, and this challenge will be a part of their new Start Strong Appeal, supporting mothers and children through difficult times such as this to give them a strong start in life.

Even better yet, all sponsorship towards my sponsored silence made before 25th June 2021 will be doubled by the UK Government. How incredible is that? So there has never been a better time to support Nepal.

I hope you can consider sponsoring me and please wish me good luck for this mighty challenge of mine! Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Donations will be used to help communities in Nepal recover after Covid-19 through the Start Strong project and will support PHASE Worldwide’s work in Nepal where it is most needed.