Flying over Everest on a tiny passenger plane whilst in Nepal with my son, I promised myself, "One day, I will do the trek to base camp."

Four years and a global pandemic later, an opportunity presented itself to take on the challenge. I contemplated the chances of me completing this arduous 14-day challenge and the doubt started to set in.

But, encouraged by my family, I thought, "Why not? If not now, then when?" - and to the shock of all those who know me, my training regime began.

For several months now, I have been discovering the joys of trekking across the hills of the North West, Scotland, and Croatia, dragging anyone and everyone out at every opportunity for walks. As time has gone on, the intensity has increased - walks have become longer, steeper, and more challenging under the guidance of my friend Liam.

I have definitely discovered a new passion.

As the trip approached, I started to think about what else I can achieve by doing this. Whilst I wold get a great sense of personal fulfilment from the trip, there was a nagging feeling that I would like it to mean more.

This is where The Huracan Foundation came in.

This is an amazing charity working in deprived areas around the world, using the power of football to bring education to children whose life chances would otherwise be severely limited. It struck a chord with me.

My grandfather was a headmaster at a school in Uganda, and my father was educated there. Looking at the work The Huracan Foundation does in Uganda, I knew this would be a charity that both my father and grandfather would be proud to know I was supporting.

Anyone who knows me, knows that football is my passion. Seeing what can be achieved by sharing this passion with others is truly inspiring.

So, if you can, please sponsor me. 

Every penny raised from this fundraiser will go directly to supporting football for development projects in Uganda. It costs £2,000 to fund one project for an entire year and currently, Huracan funds five projects each year. In addition, we are supporting select second-year projects to ensure continued impact.

Your donations have inspired me to keep going as I made my way through the villages of Namche and Khumjung, experienced the Thyangboche monastry, and ascended Kala Pattar (5545m), in search of Everest Base Camp which I've now reached on December 3rd. Descending Everest, I look forward to catching up when back in the UK mid December.