I've always been a strong advocate and try to pursue my goals with a famous Mark Twain saying at the forefront of my mind:

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

In essence and for those that know me I am always up for a challenge and try to meet them head on. Also I've always had a deep fascination for the tales of Mallory, Hilary and Tenzing et al and the magnet of Everest. So I see this as a trip of a lifetime to look forward to with relish.

The Trek

In September I am undertaking an 18 day trek/expedition to Everest Base Camp. Our route takes us via the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar through beautiful valleys, dense forests and across glacial rivers, enjoying tantalising glimpses of the mighty Everest before we reach our goal of Base Camp at 5,364m (17,598ft) above sea level, up to the famous Khumbu icefield. I also hope to have the energy to reach the summit of Kala Patthar, a famous Everest viewpoint at 5,645m, and wonder at views of the highest mountain on the planet.

Why?

A friend and former work colleague based in Jersey, Rob, lost his teenage daughter Kezia to suicide in March 2022. Following this tragic event, Kezia's brother, Ben, started raising money for charities that support prevention of suicide education and the families of young people impacted by suicide. This went on to become Kezia's Fund.

In addition, I have lost adult friends in the past to suicide or mental health related issues over the years including a good friend and former manager, Steve. I would like to consider myself fortunate in not having had to struggle a great deal with my own mental health, but due to media exposure I am aware that there is a growing problem regarding mental health particularly in young people and men, so I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones.

The Charities

I've picked a good community cause which is close to my heart and which I firmly believe offers young people opportunity to increase mental strength, resilience, self-confidence, team-work and other life skills. Additionally I have chosen two mental health charities (which you can donate to via this link: https://gvwhl.com/RJKCE) So it's up to you to choose where to direct your sponsorship to. One or other of these may be more significant to you and that's great, but please do check all three of them out. They each do their best to support groups of people and their families impacted by mental health and suicide, or in the case of the third build resilience and life skills into young people through sport, that will lay foundations for good mental health.

Kezia's Fund - https://www.jerseycommunityfoundation.org/our-funds/kezias-fund

Andy's Man Club - https://andysmanclub.co.uk

Woodhouses Cricket Club Juniors - https://www.woodhousescc.co.uk/junior-section

Your donations

I am funding the trip myself, so every penny donated will be going to the charities. I will be looking for corporate sponsors too, so if that is something you can do then please get in touch and your company will feature in the Everest Videos and on the flag we fly at Everest Base Camp.

The rest of the gang

As the support pages for the rest of the team become available I'll add them here and also a place where we will post updates as we train and from Nepal when we are there but for now, here is the team that are taking on this epic challenge:

Rob Mason, Rob Walsh, Steve Price, Chris Duhamel, Kenny Mcleod, Jason Wyse and me.

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