I wholeheartedly thank your for visiting my JustGiving page.

On 14^th May 2011, I have committed myself to the daunting challenge of completing a trek up ‘The Summit of Britain, the mighty Ben Nevis! As Britain’s highest peak, my penchant for all things bad, i.e. food, wine beer and the ilk, plus sporting a few extra pounds……this really is a frightening prospect. However, the reasons for this moment of madness far outweigh the prospect of an exhausting training regime and detox!

My much loved father, Ian, sadly died of prostate cancer at the very young age of 57 and was unable to fulfil his retirement dreams and aspirations.

This disease is far too prevalent in the western world, especially the UK where it is the most common form of cancer found in men! Over the last 30 years, prostate cancer has almost tripled in Britain and in 2007, around 36,130 men were diagnosed with the disease. A quarter of all new cancers diagnosed in men is of the prostate.

So, as frightening as the training, famine, sweat and probably even tears seem, it is really not that much of a sacrifice if I am able to help such a worthy cause as The Prostate Cancer Charity. This extremely worthwhile charity leads the way when it comes to: working with men affected by the disease, funding research, providing support and information and campaigning to improve the lives of sufferers. Furthermore, they provide the only UK-wide prostate cancer Helpline, staffed by specialist nurses. These dedicated professionals offer free and confidential information and support to anyone affected by prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Charity

is therefore, fighting the disease on every front - through research, support, information and campaigning.

JustGiving is the simplest and fastest way of donating; and is totally secure. Your details are safe and they will never pass them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the chosen charity and make sure that 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 it cuts the costs for the Charity! It really is a win, win situation!

I sincerely hope that the thought of me struggling, puffing and panting up this gargantuan mountain, no doubt in the most inclement of weathers and probably wearing the most ill-fitting of waterproofs, although I can’t guarantee lycra, encourages you to give a few quid to such a worthy cause. Any amount is extremely appreciated, no matter how big or small the donation and will all amount to a lot in the end.

It would be a pleasure for me to be able to contribute towards further research in order to help combat the fight against prostate cancer.

Thank you for reading my page and I sincerely thank you in advance for your much needed support.

Mark xxxx

Today is 12th May 2011. I have just raised my target to £2000. As I write this I am a little short of this personal target. Your kind donations will be hugely appreaciated if you could help me to pass this great milestone. Of course I woukld be over the moon if this figure could be exceeded. I thank you for your kind and generous donations in advance.

 I would also like to say a really big personal thank you to each and every one of you that has taken the time and effort to visit my page and make your donations. I am very grateful to all of you as I know The Prostate Cancer Charity will be. Thank you.

Kind Regards

Mark

16th May 2011

I have today checked in to this web page and adjusted the off line donations. I still have pledges of a few more pounds to collect but at this present time I am absolutely over the moon to say that with the help of all my family, friends, work associates and contractors that we have exceeded the £2000 I so dearly wanted to achieve. Thank you all so much for your help and support. The pain I am feeling in my legs following the hike up Ben Nevis Saturday is now totally insignificant!! I am humbled by everyones generosity. Thankyou everyone. If you would still like to make a donation, please please do, I would love to see how far we can get this figure to climb.