Parkinson’s disease is a horrific condition, suffered by too many. Research into potential treatments and cures for this life sapping, personality destroying disease, is desperately needed. 

12 years ago my stepmum, The love of my dad’s life, and a huge influence on our lives, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Year by year, month by month, she’s disappeared into a shell of the vibrant woman she once was. 

Nobody deserves to have their future taken from them in such a cruel way, and research into treatment of Parkinson’s is desperately needed. Being a keen mountaineer and very amateur climber, I thought I could challenge myself to do something I’m passionate about, to raise money for a vital cause. A summit push of Everest from base camp, is 12000 feet of steep winter climbing. Though not very technical, it’s tough going. I plan on doing around 13000 feet of ascent, climbing at a more technical level, up and down the north face of Ben Nevis. I’ll be solo climbing in winter conditions, ascending routes like Tower Ridge, Ledge Route and the CMD arête. With 15000 feet of descent in between climbs, and about 25km of distance covered in total, it should nicely mimic the gruelling pain of an Everest summit push. All in 48 hours.

My work as a Humanist Celebrant, means I'm a proud member of the Humanist Association Scotland, who will be supporting me through the challenge; as an organisation, we donate 10% of our earnings to charity, and we will be honoured to support Parkinson’s UK, who do so much to provide invaluable support to carers like my dad. I and they would appreciate anything at all you can afford to give.