THE STORY:  As a kid my dad and I walked miles together.... walking me to school progressed to walking on weekends and then spurring me and my 2 sisters on to complete the 3 peaks challenge (the 3 highest peaks in the UK within 24 hours).  He loved walking.  The fresh air, the challenge, the time to chat and the time to find a nice pub with a good pint.  

Two years ago, an article in National Geographic rated the "Alpe Adria" as the best "under the radar" super hikes.  I researched further and bought some maps.  Dad would have thought this hike rather "crazy" so, in his memory, I am going to attempt it(!) over 6 weeks, solo. I want to raise awareness of Bowel Cancer and support an amazing charity which supports people fighting this disease and family members like me who go on this cancer journey with a relative.

THE GOAL:  The Alpe-Adria-Trail (summit to sea hike) has a total of 43 stages (circa 750 km). It winds from the foot of Austria’s highest mountain—the Grossglockner—through Slovenia’s Alpine villages and forests, to Italy’s Adriatic coast, passing through glacial valleys, scenic woodlands, and vineyards. It is nick-named the Garden of Eden.  In the Julian Alps, Slovenia, it climbs up to the summit of 5,285-foot Vršič Pass.  

THE CAUSE:  Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK.  Currently, almost 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK.  More than nine out of ten new cases (94%) are diagnosed in people over the age of 50, and nearly six out of ten cases (59%) are diagnosed in people aged 70 or over. But bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age. More than 2,500 new cases are diagnosed each year in people under the age of 50.  Around 268,000 people living in the UK today have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

THE OPPORTUNITY:  If you would like to sponsor me please visit my JustGiving page.  Donating 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.