My first encounter with Evelina Children Hospital was at the earliest possible stage, at Neonatal Intensive Care unit. My son Maxim suffered from newborn seizures and we didn't know if he'd make it through. The medical and nurse staff were all hugely supportive and helpful at these incredibly difficult times. 

Maxim was eventually diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder, a condition called hypochondroplasia. In short, the condition primarily affects bone growth and has various other consequences. Whilst there is currently no cure, we have all received (and still are receiving) strong support in understanding and navigating through what this all means. Maxim has thrived since, already studies at secondary school and has become a very competent sportsman with a good range of interests. 

Evelina is an incredible place, providing world class medical expertise and support in rarest of circumstances. We are no doubt one of countless families that Evelina's staff helped feel that everything humanly possible is getting done for their little ones. 

It's now time to give back. That is why I decided to fund raise for Evelina. It's the first time I am doing this, it will also be the first time to climb a 4,000-er mountain at a beautiful age of 40:) Well, two mountains as why stop just with one! I have been warned, this is apparently much tougher than running marathons. Sounds like that's just one for me then and it's probably good that I have no idea what running a marathon means. Wish me luck!  

I was originally meant to climb Mont Blanc in July, then in August and then in September. Due to corona, all my options got cancelled and I set up a replacement event instead. Mont Blanc ascent covers 2,428m of altitude gain over 2 days, in harsh high altitude Alpine conditions. Climbing locally in the UK was the only corona-proof option. Climbing Ben Nevis twice in a day, to get the similar altitude gain on a shorter timeframe to compensate for the lack of altitude and other things... this just seemed like the best alternative. I had to postpone this climb only once due to severe weather, ultimately to successfully complete the challenge on 18th September.