On the 3rd of October 2008 I shall be climbing the highest freestanding mountain in the world - Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa - at a height of 5896m.

Some may ask why would a beer drinking, unfit couch potato in his 40`s willingly undertake such a challenge, let me explain.....

In March 2007 my youngest son,James, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 30 months.At that time neither myself, wife or family & friends had any real idea of what the disease was or how it would affect James or the rest of his family throughout his life. Many people reading this will also have very little awareness of CF or know anything about it.This in itself is very sad and worrying especially as CF is the UK`s most common life threatening inherited disease with 7500 sufferers and 1 in 25 people carrying the defective gene that causes it. Life expectancy is only 31 years.

I have been on a steep & frightening learning curve over the past year, but now feel its time to put my energies into not only raising funds for the CF Trust (see web link opposite), to help fund future research into the disease, but also to help raise the awareness of such a terrible disease.

Any donations, no matter how small would be gratefully appreciated & help spur me on through my training and onto the challenge itself. After a shaky start to my training (boots too small hence enormous blisters) I never would have thought I could enter a 10k organised run and finish with respectability. It just shows how a worthwhile cause can bring out the dedication and determination in us all. This, coupled with the courage shown by all CF sufferers, and with the generosity of our sponsors we can all help to See Off CF.

I am indebted to my friend Daniel Davey who is giving up his time & energy in undertaking the challenge with me. Whilst dan has many worthwhile causes of his own to support, he too will be donating all his sponsorship to the CF Trust (see www.justgiving.com/dandavey) - thanks mate.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cystic Fibrosis Trust 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.