On 29th May 2025 I will take part in the highest marathon in the world - the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon (Everest Base Camp Marathon).

Following a 10-day trek to Base Camp and 2 nights in camp to acclimatise, the marathon itself begins - a gruelling 42km test of mental and physical endurance. With a starting altitude of 5,450 meters, where oxygen is reduced to just 50% of sea level conditions, the route picks its way through rocky and icy paths, finishing in the village of Namche Bazaar at 3,092 meters.

Why am I doing this?

20th May, during the trek, will mark the 3-year anniversary of my bowel cancer diagnosis, which came shortly after I completed the World's Toughest Row. Following successful surgery and chemotherapy, I am now midway through a period of surveillance to monitor me for recurrence. My oncologist advised me to have a party at 3 years and a bigger party at 5 years. I'm not sure this was quite what he had in mind, but there can't be many more inspiring places to celebrate life and health than the foothills of the mighty Everest.

The reason I am fit and able to do this is down to the incredible treatment and care I received from the wonderful multi-disciplinary NHS team at the Oxford hospitals. I have chosen to do the marathon to raise money for Occtopus - the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust - a charity which funded the development of the pioneering treatment and equipment used in my surgery. It's a small way of giving back and helping others in the future.

Founded in 2003 by consultants and former patients of Oxford University Hospitals, Occtopus, or the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust, is a leading Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer charity. The charity pioneers new treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis and Crohn’s and influences how they are treated across the NHS. The charity also funds breakthrough national and international research to improve patient outcomes and care.

Thank you so much for any support you can give.