Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure.  It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK 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. 

NEWS UPDATE - At 07:20 (Nepal time) on 19 May 2009 I summited Mt Everest - the highest mountain in the world at 8850 metres high. I am aiming to raise £6,000 for Cancer Research UK. This target has almost been reached but I need your help to complete it. So please dig deep and make an online donation to Cancer Research.

Why Cancer Research? - more than 1 in 3 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.  Most of us will therefore experience it either directly or indirectly at some point.  From a personal point of view I've experienced the loss of my aunt, and my wife lost her mother, both at young ages.  More recently two members of my immediate team at work were diagnosed with cancer within a couple of months of each other, and I'm pleased to say both have now completed their scheduled treatment.

The Challenge - Mt Everest is the unrivaled apex of the Himalayas and the highest mountain in the world at 8850m (29,028 if you still prefer feet!).  The South Col route was first made famous by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay after their ascent in 1953.  In April 2009 I joined a team of climbers that attempted the mountain via the same South Col route.  Success rates on Everest are low.  Less than 20% of climbers attempting the mountain actually make it to the top.  I was one of the lucky ones who made it all the way to the summit at the first attempt.

I've had a passion for mountains since my introduction to winter climbing while at University where I was introduced to some of the brutal weather Scotland has to offer between the months of January and April.  Good training for spending days at a time storm bound in a tent on some of the larger mountains I've visited since, which amongst others include: Aconcagua (6960m, Argentina); Mt. McKinley (6194m, Alaska); Mt. Elbrus (5642m, Russia). 

Please give what you can, it's very much appreciated. 

Thank you for your support,

Nick