Hey guys! Thank you so much for looking at my JustGiving page! For those who do not know, I am taking a break from the world of medicine for 6 months from Feb and thought I would embark on a few things along the way to tick off the old bucket list!

Those who are close to me will know I have been raising money for over 18 months for an incredible charity that is very close to my heart: Alzheimer's Society. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and, with an ever ageing population, something that will become more and more common. Sadly, we do not yet have a cure for this illness, only medication to slow it down and the charity helps provide support for research for finding this cure. The other amazing thing the charity does is provide support, not only for people with the illness, but to the carers and supporters. I have a personal attachment to this as I have seen the effect of this illness on my grandfather and the difficulties it has caused for himself and all of us around him. I have also been on the other end of the table, working as a specialist doctor in diagnosing and managing dementia for 4 months during my training. It is a very difficult illness to deal with!

I have decided to attempt the hike to Everest Base Camp! Its a 14 day journey, including a 10 day hike, to the base camp! It is going to be incredibly difficult and I am going to have to get a hell of a lot fitter to even get close to completing. I will also be doing a couple of other things in the build up including Movember! (And you should know my birthday is end of November so it will obviously be hilarious!). This trek is the last event from a number of different initiatives I have completed throughout the last 18 months for this wonderful charity. Therefore, the grand total will also include your donations from my colleagues during my ‘Grand Round’ presentation at Darent Valley Hospital, from Navratri (local Hindu festival) and from the vitality London 10,000 run !

All money will go towards the charity and nothing towards my own personal costs. I am aiming for an ambitious £2000! I will be posting updates of my attempted weightloss, dodgy moustaches and anything else I can think of! Any spare change would be much appreciated!

Follow my journey on my facebook and instagram pages: @sh1van

Much love and thanks in advance!

Shiv