Breaking my back in a car accident in January 2009 (shattering three vertebrae) resulted in a long, slow and painful recovery.  My blue 'Disabled Parking Badge' ran out in July 2015 and instead of accepting the offered renewal I embarked on a gym/weights focused programme that replaced prescribed pain-relief medication and enabled me to regain 'normality', minus running/hiking/cardio. 

In July 2022 I volunteered to be involved in the challenge I'm about to describe to you.  Since my accident I hadn't walked further than one mile at a time, owing to excruciating lower back pain. 

From 6th - 26th April 2023, I'll be joining the military charity 'Pilgrim Bandits' on an expedition supporting Hari Buddha Magar's World record MT Everest summit attempt.  Hari is a former Gurkha soldier who lost both legs above the knee in an IED attack in Afghanistan in 2010.  Hari is now a multiple world record holder being the first double amputee above the knee to summit a 6,000m peak, the first to walk to Everest Base Camp and the first double amputee above the knee to conduct 2 x parachute descents over Mt Everest. 

Several disabled veterans will be on this 80 mile expedition, trekking to Everest Base Camp. 

Led by former Gurkha soldier, and "22 SAS" Mountain Guide, Krishna Thapa, this expedition incorporates altitude gains of over 2,500 metres to reach our objective sitting at a staggering 5,364m above sea level.  This is a challenge for the able bodied let alone the military veterans with significant disabilities! 

Thank you in advance for showing an interest, your support, and any financial contribution you're able to provide that will directly help some very inspiring individuals who have given more for their country than should be expected.