I am completing the "Hike the Himalayas" challenge in memory of my grandad Fred Farquharson, who sadly died in January at the age of 101. Grandad fought in India and Burma (Myanmar) in World War 2 alongside the Gurkhas, and on at least one occasion they directly saved his life. Grandad often spoke of his respect for the Gurkhas and he regularly donated to the Gurkha Welfare Trust. 

The Gurkha Welfare Trust ensures that Gurkha veterans, their widows and their wider communities are able to live with dignity in Nepal, through the provision of financial, medical and community aid.

The "Hike the Himalayas" challenge involves running or walking 5km a day for 52 days, which is the equivalent distance of the famous Annapurna Trail in Nepal (260km).