When I first enquired about hiring a guide to climb the Matterhorn I was persistently asked about my experience level and whether I’d be comfortable climbing ‘French grade 4 with crampons’. My response to the first tour guide was that the Matterhorn is in Switzerland so why do I need to know about climbing in France. I hope that this illustrates just how little experience I have!

Fast forward to two months later and I have managed to find an experienced guide who is willing to help me, however I’ve had to sign a waiver stating that I’m attempting to climb the Matterhorn with effectively zero useful experience and that if I’m injured or die in the process it is entirely my fault.

So!

My plan is to complete the climb over the course of the 6th & 7th September in order to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. The Hospital does fantastic work for children and provides care that is sadly drastically underfunded. If you can help me raise my target of £1,000 you will have contributed towards the cost of potentially life changing surgery for 3.87 children.

How’s that for a tangible outcome?

I ask that you help out with anything you can spare which will go entirely to the charity. Absolutely none of your money will help fund my (Ill advised) expedition and you will be providing a direct contribution to children who desperately need your help now!