On the 18^th September I am about to embark with a few of my work colleagues on a gruelling Three Peaks Challenge involving climbing the three highest peaks, in England, Wales and Scotland.   The Peaks are:

Snowdon, in Wales (1085m), Scafell Pike, in England (978m), Ben Nevis, in Scotland (1344m)

We’re attempting to complete this climb and the mad dash driving the 500 miles in between all within 24hrs.  The climb, the drive and the fact we’ll be awake for 36 hours make it difficult enough to achieve, add trying to complete it in 24 hours you’ve got to be mad - but  we’ve got to give it a try!

We’re raising funds for our own causes and the charity I have chosen to raise funds for is one close to my heart. 

As a close family friend, my best man Alex Wilson and his family Sarah, Ollie and Tom (my god son) lost their baby daughter Daisy on the 3 November 2009. Daisy was just 3 hours old when she died, and that day our lives changed forever.

Based on their experience, it is their wish to help create a tranquil space in which parents can grieve quietly and alone with their baby, cocooned away from the noise of happier arrivals, something they would have valued for their all too brief time with Daisy.

They have committed to raise £10,000 to fund the creation of a dedicated SANDS room at Kingston Hospital. A suitable room has already been identified for the purpose and Surrey SANDS will oversee the project ensuring that all funds are appropriately administered.

Thankfully most of you will never have heard of Surrey SANDS. The charity provides invaluable empathic support to parents whose babies die during pregnancy or soon after.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and secure, and the most efficient way to sponsor s.  SANDS will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.  This is a self funded event; all monies donated will go directly to the Surrey SANDS Hospital Support Project.  Gift Aid will be retained by National SANDS towards their work which includes research into stillbirth and neonatal deaths.

Thank you for your support.