So last year I climbed Mount Toubkal with Jason Leonard, England's most capped rugby player with 114 caps,  to support him and his wonderful charity The ATLAS Foundation, it was one of my triple challenges in 2016, and I have to say one of the hardest I have ever done in my life  - but I did it  - and in the process helped raise over £25,000 for ATLAS and Gt Ormond Street Hospital for Children.  

Since then I had the small matter of Mercer buying Thomsons - which actually was as tough as climbing Mt Toubkal by the way - that concluded last December. After I recovered my sanity from that little experience, I eventually realised that  - blow me down with a feather - I had committed yet again to the charming Mr Leonard to join him on his latest mission, a four day trek in Iceland... which actually starts tomorrow 31st March 2017! 

To remind you, Jason’s charity was founded with fellow front-row legend, Gareth Chilcott. ATLAS works through a global network of Rugby Champions, like Jason and Gareth and Philippe Sella, on projects around the world to supprt grassroots projects that use rugby to improve the lives of some of the poorest people on earth. 

It works to improve people’s lives regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race or religion. 

ATLAS funds UK and oversea projects, providing pitches, coaches and teachers for schools, clubs and communities. It is a brilliant charity and I am proud to be associated with it. 

I actually feel much fitter than this time last year, the left knee is less knackered than last year, and we are only walking for four days without a 14,000 mountain to climb.

This time I only have a 5,000 foot live volcano to venture in and out of, and a tiddler 8000 foot mountain to climb, all in beautiful Icelandic countryside, with a current wind-chill factor of -20 today  - it should be a stroll in the park! 

Please find it in your heart to support me again, I know it is a lot to ask but if you can please do what you can to help! 

Onward and upwards! To Iceland and beyond! 

Michael/ Rhino x