Thank you for visiting the 3 Peaks by Kayak fundraising page and I hope you are able to make a donation to the Wilderness Foundation UK - the charity I have chosen to support.

In August 2009 I will embark on one of the greatest challenges I have ever undertaken - to kayak a distance of 450 miles (solo) from Aberdovey on the coast of Mid-Wales to Loch Eil in Highland Scotland, and on the way to run/climb up and down Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis, the three highest peaks in Wales, England, and Scotland. This is in fact a variation of the popular three peaks fundraising challenge and one that I successfully completed in 1983! (The aim of the original challenge is to climb all three peaks in under 24 hours). My sea kayak challenge will take considerably longer - possibly 16 days if the weather is fair, though I have given myself longer to complete the journey if it is not. To the best of my knowledge, I do not think that this challenge has been undertaken before.

I have a long standing personal and professional connection with the Foundation. They are a small charity faced with an enormous task. Despite the monthly struggles they encounter largely due to limited funds and resources, the dedicated team of staff and volunteers of the organisation face these challenges with undaunted pragmatism. 

The Wilderness Foundation 's work is focused on three areas:

·         Education and leadership development through their Wilderness Trails

·         Heath and wellbeing for the individual and society through their Social Programmes

·         Wilderness and wild lands protection through their Wilderness Action Programmes

I am particularly impressed with the philosophical ethos they embody. This is clearly seen in how they provide and deliver real and authentic opportunities for connection with nature enhancing personal growth and health, evoking social change, and facilitating environmental understanding.

The funds I will raise through this journey will go towards supporting their important and effective social programmes such as their Peace and Reconciliation programmes working with those affected and involved with the Northern Irish conflict, and the successful Turnaround Project (now in its second year) for Essex young adults who are struggling to find healthy ways of relating with their communities. 

I will be keeping a blog that details my preparation for the journey, the route I plan to follow, and if possible an account of the challenge as it unfolds. You can read the blog here.

I am an experienced and seasoned adventurer - particularly in the field of sea kayaking, a pastime that has enriched my life for the past fifteen years. My professional life has been entwined with the wilderness and the natural world for over twenty five years, where I worked primarily for Outward Bound in the UK and in Southern Africa. The 3 Peaks by Kayak challenge will test me but it is not beyond my reach. I will ensure that I take every necessary precaution to ensure my safety and not to burden those who are supporting me with unnecessary worry.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: the Wilderness Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Thank you and best wishes,

Nick