Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I made it!

The trip was a fantastic experience that I would love to repeat - the Himalayas are absolutely beautiful and the people are so friendly.  Dharamsala (spiritual home of the Dalai Lama) had a really lovely atmosphere, and although I was not lucky enough to see him (having missed him by 5mins) I did enjoy visiting the temple.

Fitness-wise, all my training really paid off and I was able to enjoy every single moment of the treck.  Thanks everyone for sponsoring me - your money will really help some of our sick children in England.  Ask me more if you are interested!

Update 21 Sept:  Just did a training weekend in Wales where I conquered Snowdon and Tryfan and ate lots of food! Roll on the Himalayas!

Update 22 August 09:  Still following the training plan, but finding it a little difficult to find places where I can walk for 6 hours without resorting to boring tarmac.  However, I'm really enjoying walking more and intend to carry on even after the Himalayan Trek.  I'm now beginning to buy the kit I am told I need - I didn't even think of the expense of this - another reason to keep up the walking/hiking long term!   Fundraising has really slowed down - I did a car boot the other weekend and raised a grand total of £7.00!  I'm trying to think of new ideas, and have also written to the local newspaper hoping that they will include an article.  No sign of it yet though.

Update 18 June 09:  I can now be seen striding around the roads of Hereford - wearing in my new walking boots!  I shall soon be heading for some hills nearby for the next stage of training. - If you see me please wave!

Some of you may be quite suprised that I am planning to do something as active as hiking the Himalayas, so I have added a picture of me mountain biking (ok then, posing beforehand) in Madeira last year.  As added info, let me tell you that I completed the London Marathon too a few years ago - so I do have the determination and resolve to complete this challenge.

I am not new to fundraising, and have raised funds for Great Ormond Street in the past, in memory of my 5 yr old son Toby.  Having taken a few years rest, I have now decided to use a little of my time and energy to help provide equipment not provided by the NHS and to improve the environment of sick children throughout England, through a wonderful charity called MedEquip4Kids.

Hopefully I shall also be enjoying the experience.  It is for this reason that I shall be covering all costs myself, ensuring that every penny I raise goes to the charity.  Please be as generous as possible - it really will help.

The trek itself is 15th - 25th October starting from Delhi - where we take an overnight train to Pathankot and bus to Dharamsala (the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama).  From there we trek through Kareri and Bal villages, on to Triund and Laka Got.  After walking on a glacier in order to reach Lahes Cave we return to Triund and continue to Bhagsu Nag then Dharamsala once more.  We shall be there during the time of Diwali which will, I am sure, will be a wonderful experience.  With spectacular views of the Duala Dhar mountain range, our trek takes us through rhododendrum forests, passing Hindu settlements and Buddhist monasteries.  What a trip!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: MedEquip4Kids gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!