I joined the Royal Marines in 1993 and served at 40 Commando and Comacchio Group.  I took part in many deployments both operational and training.   

While serving I developed a severe back injury which resulted in  hospitalisation and a lengthy period of rehabilitation following my discharge from the Marines.  The following years proved to be very difficult as I suffered with anxiety and was forced to seek help and treatment.  

I am looking forward to the challenge that Aconcagua presents. It is an opportunity to prove myself with a small team of extraordinary people.  

65 degrees north will take a team of six men to Argentina and set out to summit Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, North America and outside of the Himalaya (Asia), by  extension the highest point in both Western and Southern Hemispheres.

Located in the infamous Andes mountain range, Aconcagua climbs to a staggering 22,841ft (6962metres). 

It is one of the 7 Summits that is second highest only to Mt Everest and is notoriously difficult to summit due to its extreme and changeable weather patterns. The ferocity of its snow and wind storms and the feared electrical storms are well documented with summit temperatures dropping to below -30. 

Each team member will have had to overcome significant challenges in order to achieve the level of fitness and skill required to reach the summit. We will be dependant on each other from the outset as we face an incredibly difficult challenge ahead.

It will be a true demonstration of 'Rehabilitation Through Adventure'

65DN hopes that this endeavour will encourage many veterans who wish to challenge themselves and prove yet again that there is life beyond injury.

Full details can be found at http://www.65degreesnorth.co.uk/aconcagua-2018/

The Royal Marines Charity is a charity very close to my heart. Money raised will help provide the best possible through life charitable support for Royal Marines, their families, veterans and cadets.

https://theroyalmarinescharity.org.uk/

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.