I’m taking on the challenge of 12 days trekking to Everest Base Camp & climbing the 5,644m to the summit of Kala Patthar to raise funds for Climb Your Mountain (CYM), a wellbeing charity.

Every penny raised goes into the fundraising pot, not my expenses, and any donation large or small would be appreciated to help CYM continue helping others, and motivate me to work off my lockdown lard 😁.

Set up by Charlie Wardle, and originally based in Milton Keynes, CYM have been providing free books, talks and guided walks since 2008. I first met Charlie around 2010 during a difficult period of my life when I attended one of his free talk about coping with anxiety issues, and I learnt the importance of physical exercise as an aid to mental wellbeing, something that’s become important to many more people in the last couple of years.

Whilst CYM’s free walks continue across the country led by Charlie and his team of volunteers, now based in North Wales Charlie is also focusing on providing free outdoor activities for children and young adults with disabilities. Find out more about this worthwhile charity on these links:

 https://www.themountaincoach.com/pages/about-the-climb-your-mountain-charity

 https://climbyourmountain.org/

By taking on a physical challenge as recommended by CYM, I found how true it was that having a deadline and a purpose inspired me to improve my fitness, which in
turn helped improve my wellbeing and self-esteem at challenging times.

I’ve climbed Snowdon (twice) & Ben Nevis with Climb Your Mountain, and walked the Grand Union Challenge of 100km in one day (and night). After taking up running in my mid 50s, I’ve now completed 5 half marathons, all  achievements I’d never have attempted without Charlie’s inspiration.

This trip will be my greatest physical and emotional challenge ever! Coping with the trek at high altitude through the Himalayas, and traversing those scary rope bridges 😅 No hot baths to ease aching muscles!  However I’m looking forward to the cultural and photo opportunities to see me through.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.