I am working to raise the money to fund the trip and so far I have worked at St Augustine’s Priory on a landscaping project and I have been doing other gardening and decorating jobs. My next step is to undertake the 3 Peaks Challenge in the Yorkshire Dales which is a challenge of 39.2km (24.5 miles) including 5,200ft (1,585m) of ascent. The three peaks are Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent and we will follow the official route aiming to complete the challenge in the stipulated 12 hours. My dad and I have walked the whole course and Ed came with us for the last preparatory leg and we will be doing the whole thing next week! There are many reasons for doing this challenge – one is because my dad did it at school and it is great to keep traditions going. It is a tough challenge and connects well with the trekking we will be doing slightly higher in the Himalayas! We might be lucky enough to meet the Dalai Lama – obviously I will be contemplating his wisdom while I walk. I am very grateful to people who have already pledged to support me in this self-funded venture and if you feel you would like to support me please do so. Thank you!

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible . (Dalai Lama )