Cancer has affected my family and loved ones but research into new treatments and therapies have given some of them extended quality of life and the hope of a cure. The money raised here and elsewhere by Cancer Research UK contributes to these breakthroughs and will continue to do so. My mum had an extra 9 months of quality life thanks to the drugs that helped manage her breast cancer.

I love the Himalayan region and the trek I am doing later this takes me to a new part of the range for me, around the Northern Indian region of Ladakh. I hope to summit two mountains during the trip; Vatseri Peak is 5600m and Dzo Jongo is 6200m. Two tough challenges and I am training hard for them.

Some of you will know that I have trekked in the past, and you have been generous enough to donate to the charities I have supported on them. Thank you. What you may not know is the effect these donations have on me and my motivation, particularly on the really challenging days. Knowing each weary step up the side of Kilimanjaro in the freezing cold and pitch dark was supported by friends and strangers with generous donations for cancer research made the difference. Sounds dramatic, but it's true. 

This seems like a great opportunity to raise more money for Cancer Research UK, a charity that has been close to my heart since I lost my parents to cancer. I'm going anyway - the trek is already paid for. But by donating through this site you help the charity and by doing that you help thousands of people now and in the future, directly or indirectly as they battle their own personal cancer trials. And you help me to climb a couple of hills in India!

Thank you. 

Dave.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.