I am a former Royal Marine. I served for nearly 35 years around the globe on land and sea in the jungle, the desert, the mountains, the Arctic – and the Falklands.  I know about extreme physical activity, and the beneficial effect it can have on people’s physical and psychological health.  Soon after my 70^th birthday I walked the South Downs Way to raise money for charity. 

In July I will embark on my 80^th year, and in August will walk those 100 miles again – this time to raise money for 65 Degrees North.

My wife and I have been closely involved with this small but incredibly powerful charity since it’s birth in 2014 when it achieved the ‘First Unsupported Crossing of the Greenland Icecap by an Amputee’ by a young wounded former Army soldier.  It highlighted the potential for helping physically or psychologically wounded military people through participation in Extreme Sports – mountaineering, rock-climbing, cycling, sailing etc.  It’s all about ‘Rehabilitation Through Adventure’. 

Early on we decided to enable wounded people to conquer the ‘Seven Summits’.  So far we have succeeded on 5 of them, including Mt Everest. We hope to achieve the 6^th this year.

Extreme sports are not for everyone, but our experience has clearly demonstrated the positive effect these expeditions have on the morale and recovery of our people, as well as on their families and friends.  It is often dramatic, for the benefit spreads as their morale and attitude to life improves.  Quite simply they become whole people again.

These expeditions are expensive – but the expense is totally worthwhile.  Please give what you can to enable more young people to experience ‘Rehabilitation Through Adventure’.