As a Land & Water Environment Officer (Environment Agency), I (James) have grown a passion for the water environment. WaterAid is the official charity the Environment Agency supports and as a WaterAid Representative, I originally started out with the aim to hike Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds by hiking a total altitude/ascent of 50,000m and kayaking 1000 miles in addition to hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. However, due to the financial constraints with a new house purchase with my partner Katie, we have decided to do a couples challenge in Hiking Mount Everest Base Camp at 5,550m. Katie is keen on challenging herself also so will be joining me on this modified new challenge. Katie has a passion for charity, life and loves to care and give to others. As a professional healthcare worker, Katie is keen on promoting and supporting the health for all and very happy to join me with this challenge. For those that have already sponsored me for Kilimanjaro, please rest assured that both Katie and I will be aiming to hike up Kilimanjaro together in a few years once more economically feasible. As we are both self-funding the trip it will be more economically attainable to aim for the Himalayas on this occasion. I have completed the 50,000m ascent and kayaking challenge. Katie and I will be preparing for the new challenge with a variety of fitness activities including walking, mountain hiking (aiming for 25,000m ascent, and some jogging back here in East Anglia before the set off to 🇳🇵 Nepal in April 2023.

Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene should be a normal part of everyone’s daily life. Without all three, people can’t live dignified, healthy lives. With all three, they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.With clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene, children are born healthier. They get the chance to go to school and grow up to become adults. Women and men get to earn a living. Whole communities start to thrive. It sounds normal and it should be.

As part of the fundraiser, Katie and I will be updating you all with our fitness preparation and outdoor hiking achievements over the next 12 months. Please do donate and help a great cause, Katie and I with many others would very much appreciate the support! 

Challenge completed to date:

Hiking;  50,000m ascent to date including hikes in the following locations;
Lake District, Peak District, Chiltern Hills, Malvern Hills, Scotland Munros, Wales (Snowdonia)

Home gym (Steppers and MaxiClimber)

Kayaking Rivers; (Various UK Watercourses including rivers, lakes, lochs and coastal waters. Total to date. 1000 miles.

Home gym (Rowing machine)