Purpose. As most connected to me know, Jo and I lost our beloved Charlie at the age of 18 and 12 days to an RTC late September 2021. This traumatic moment for any loving parent had us questioning our reasons to continue in life. But now, after much help, we are trying to continue to achieve things not only for our own purpose but also for him. We must keep his memory alive. 

The Trail. Amongst a lot of adventure talk of places around the world, Charlie and I had discussed him joining me on a Scandinavian trip touring on ski's, so quite simply that is what I am about to do, except on my own and maybe a bit more arduous than him and I had planned. There is a trail running up the spine of Sweden called the Kungsleden (Kings Trail). It is a trail used in both summer and winter between Abisko in the North and Hemavan in the South. In summer it is approximately 440km long but in winter it is re-routed away from the severe inclines and avalanche traps so this distance creeps up towards the 500km mark. 

Outline Plan. On the 1st February, all going well, I am going depart Hemavan in the South and ski the entire length pulling everything I need to live and survive the winter in a Pulk (Sledge with a solid trace attached to my waist) until I reach Abisko. There are cabins and mountain stations along the route although most won't be open, but those that are I will use to post my resupply rations too and pick up fuel for my cooker along the way. 

Support. I'll not lie, its gonna be a ball-buster, I'm 57 now and next year I could turn 58... However, although I am embarking on this alone the plan is for Jo to join me for the last 92km to the finish having done a bit of ski-touring herself and to have her join me for the last stretch is probably what I'll need. But, if anyone else fancies accompanying me at any of the 6 stages I will be producing a document to outlay what would be required from them in order to achieve this. 

Why SHELTER ? Charlie had a kind heart, those who had the good fortune to really get to know him knew this. The Homeless and those on the streets begging never went unnoticed by him, he would approach them instead of being like the masses that walk past potentially stereotyping someone at their lowest ebb. He would suss out the blaggers but more often than not spend his money and time making them feel a bit better if just for a short moment. It's something he did off his own back and conscience, not something we had forced him to do. So in choosing a charity that he would approve of, we have chosen Shelter, an obvious choice for him. 

Please donate what you can on behalf Charlie, if he could show his appreciation you'd either get a "Calm" or "Fair" along with a thumbs-up. 

And of course, thank you from Jo and myself.