On 10^th November,  I will be flying to Kathmandu and then head off on The Annapurna Circuit, an 18 day trek through the Himalayas covering 180 miles and reaching a maximum altitude of 5,416 metres.

Apart from wanting a bit of a physical challenge, I would like to use the trek to encourage support for the Partners Wealth Management chosen charity, Barts Hospital, and, in particular, the Barts Health Violence Reduction Service with its focus on addressing the consequences of knife crime.    

My trek is 9 days up and 9 days down. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world’s classic treks and as it weaves its way through the Himalayas, the scenery is  both dramatic and stunning. 

Temperatures will range from +20°C during the day to -10°C at night. I  will be sleeping in tea houses (very basic accommodation) and the food is pretty basic too – 5* all the way !!.  My luggage allowance is 12kg, so that includes everything I wear over 18 days + sleeping + personal hygiene items. If I go above this figure, then I carry the excess – not recommended.    

As you can see, this is no walk in the park (excuse the pun).

Am I nuts. Possibly,  but if I can persuade you to sponsor me with the proceeds going to the Barts Violence Reduction Unit, that’s all the motivation I will need to overcome altitude sickness and blisters, both of which I may well succumb to !

So please put your hands in your pockets to get our charity fund raising off to a stunning start on 30th October.

Thank you so much for supporting this very topical and worthy cause.