My mum’s last wishes, spoken with a twinkle in her eye, were to have her ashes scattered on the Rooftop of the World - the Himalayas! While planning and training for the trek I was touched by the photo of a five year old boy recently diagnosed with ALL leukaemia. Paddy has maintained that captivating smile throughout his stay at Leicester Hospital thanks to the exceptional efforts of the nurses on Ward 27. Past funding has enabled equipment to be bought which lets kids return to activities outside the hospital: a refrigerator for them to enjoy ice-cream and a play-roof created for them to immerse themselves in all the elements of the British weather they had been deprived of when confined indoors.

Initially I thought of raising funds for children in India - coincidentally learning that Paddy’s father Richard has been involved in a voluntary organisation for many years. ‘Supporting Dalit Children’ funds the educational and social needs of the most marginalised sector of Indian society; it spreads awareness of the Dalits - a newly coined term they chose themselves which translates as ‘broken’ or ‘scattered’; and it forges a partnership between parents and the school. It is heartening to read the stories of children who, given the chance of an education, aim to become doctors and software engineers. Realising their dreams will break the cycle of poverty for them and their families. With hope, further success will help the other 250 million who make up the poorest of the poor. It costs just £240 to educate a child for a year, and the charity encourages relationship building between donors, the children, parents and the Loyola Kapepaladi school for Dalit and other impoverished children.

 Our 1,281 metre ascent  involves 29 miles on foot over 6 days at the rarified altitude of 4,462metres in temperatures ranging from 14*c to -5*c. I will update our progress  and post photos once we are back online. Please make your donations per mile, metre ascent, per child or a total amount and preferably equal between the two charities. Mum was always one to support good causes by fund-raising and donating her time. She, Paddy, the Dalit children - and you - are the inspiration I will carry on my journey.