When my eldest son was born with cerebral palsy I felt very alone and isolated stuck at home caring for a very poorly child. In the last few years I have met many other parents of children with special needs, some of whom I now count as very close friends. I am doing this trek for 3 reasons, first and foremost to raise bucket loads of money to help St Oswald's do what they do best (check out their website for more info on the great work they do) because they support many of my friends through tough times. My second reason is for myself, being a full-time carer is tough and in the early days was very isolating, by taking part in this trek I am forced to get my backside off the couch and get out meeting people, raising money, getting fit, hiking, it has given me drive and focus back, I spend a lot less time in my PJ's and slippers and more time in my walking boots, stomping (and falling down) the hills of Northumberland and the Lakes. This journey has already been life changing for me and I haven't even got to basecamp yet. My third as final reason for doing this is for John, due to the severity of his cerebral palsy it is highly unlikely (never say never) that John will ever visit the Himalaya, there are many things he may not do, many places he may not get to see, so I do this for him that I can show him my pictures, my videos and tell him stories of my journey through the mountains to the top of the world.

Please give what you can, every single pound makes a difference.  

Thank you for your support, 

Claire 

Xxx 

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