Another year and another challenge….. This year I will be competing in the TRAIL ATLAS TOUBKAL (UTAT). It is an intense 42 kms with 3000 meters of elevation gain with a cut off time of 12 hours.

The race starts (and finishes) in Oukaïmeden in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, at an altitude of 2 620m. The course traverses a series of high mountain passes between the altitudes of 1700 and 3700 meters.

‘The mix of mountain terrain, Berber villages, untouched country and stunning passes make this race a real one off. But be prepared to suffer, because you really will. In terms of distance to height gained it is amongst the toughest in the world and the Atlas Mountains are brutal: rocks, loose scree, steep ascents, quad-burning descents.’

It will take a lot of effort and willpower and that is exactly why I am attempting it as with my day to day life it takes a lot of effort and willpower to look after my son Oakley who has Angelman Syndrome (AS).

Angelman Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder and symptoms are epilepsy, global developmental delays, sleep disorder, non verbal and requires 24 hour care for the rest of their life. After my experience of caring for my son and realising the lack of knowledge and funding for even basic requirements such as trying to get Oakley into a nursery for example, I set up the charity The Little Angelman Trust ‘Little Angels’.

Since the inception of the charity, we have been able to help other AS families with specialised equipment, physio therapy, speech devices and apps, respite care and home adaptations (wet room). The money that I am looking to raise from doing this challenge is to continue with the commitments and help of families with AS. More details can be found about AS and my journey via the website www.thelittleangles.org.uk

Whilst all this sounds very daunting as this is very much out of my comfort zone, I will be kindly supported by a brave few others also competing in the race, Rowley Merricks and Yousuf Mellick.