On the 7th of March, I’m off to Norway to take part in a 7 day, 140 km walk across the Hardangervidda Plateau. This is an artic/alpine mountain plateau located in central southern Norway, near one of Norways largest glaciers.

It’s a walk that was made famous in February 1943 by a group of people known as the ‘Heroes of Telemark’. They were a small group of Norwegian saboteurs, who crossed the Hardangervidda plateau on skis, their mission was to destroy Nazi heavy-water production at Vemork, an act that changed the course of World War II.

While I’m not doing anything so heroic, it will be a tough few days and will definitely be a test of resilience.

I’ve invited along my (senior 😆 GAA star) cousin Ed and good friend (at the moment 😁) Martin.

As some of you will know, I’ve had my own battle with bowel cancer, and therefore I’d like to support the Bowelbabe fund for cancer research. It was set up by Deborah James, who unfortunately lost her life to bowel cancer aged 40 in 2022. Her hard work to raise awareness and funds for research into cancer were inspiring to all. She said “Find a life worth enjoying, take risks, love deeply, have no regrets and always, always have rebellious hope. And finally, check your poo – it could just save your life’

We can all think of family and friends affected by cancer, and therefore know the importance of continued research. Cancer research has doubled survival rates in the last 50 years, but more funding is essential to overcome drug resistance and treat currently untreatable cancers.

Funds raised are in memory of Salvatore Castiglione, my son in law Michael’s Nonno, who recently passed away after battling with bowel cancer, and for anyone going through Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy treatment at the moment.

If you can spare some funds, please donate to this very worthy charity

Thank you