On Saturday 3rd July I'll be at the foot of a tall mountain, looking up and wondering what I'm doing there.  A few hours later I'll be doing the same at another one.  If all goes to plan, a third one will surely follow shortly afterwards.

I'm attempting the national Three Peaks Challenge - climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in a 24-hour period.  Why?  Because if you don't try things then you might as well stay in bed.  But it's also for a good cause.

Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition.  My late father had diabetes for 25 years, my eldest brother has it too and, let's face it, I'm probably a prime candidate at some point in the future unless I change my ways.  Doing some walking might help.

The Three Peaks is difficult, even for relatively fit people.  I've been training, but I'm no mountaineer. However, I'm going to try. If you donate through this site, there are no refunds if I fall off Scafell Pike or collapse in a sweaty heap on Snowdon.  I guess it's a leap of faith on your part, too. 

If you want to read more about this, together with a whole load of semi-literate rambling, you can also visit my blog, Make Lard History.  It's a right riveting read.

The people who keep me in gainful employment will match the first £250 I raise, pound for pound, so if you donate early you'll get more bang for your buck.  Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Diabetes UK and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for Diabetes UK.

So please dig deep and donate now.