Last week, along with a couple of now rather close mates, John Milne and Paul Slattery, I managed to finish the infamous Haute Route, which is a 180km ski tour between Chamonix and Zermatt.  Before embarking upon this trek, no one told me that it was all uphill... About 30,000 feet over 6 days, crossing umpteen glaciers and cols-which proved to be a little hard on the feet and shins....

What makes this challenge particularly fraut is unpredictable weather and for this reason, only 50% of people tend to complete it.  Just prior to our departure there was a huge dump of snow across the Alps and as a result we deferred the start for 4 days.  In the meantime,  8 rather less fortunate souls popped their clogs in avalanches.

Luckily, we all made it back to our computers to send this mail.

The whole purpose of this lunacy is simply to raise as much money as possible for 2 children's charities: www.demelza.co.uk and www.jackandjill.ie

I understand that times are hard for all, however ANY donation no matter how big would really be appreciated .

Look forward to seeing you all soon and giving you a really hard time if you didn't make a donation.

ps my shins hurt.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Ordinary 2 Extraordinary (O2e) 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.

So please sponsor me now!    Thank you!