Shortly after Christmas as you are all enjoying the January sales and leftover turkey I will be attempting to climb some of the highest peaks in North Africa, the Atlas Mountains, to raise money for Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Over five days between Saturday 28 January and Saturday 4 February our team will trek through these snow-covered peaks (reaching a maximum altitude of 13,672ft) in freezing conditions. I’ve been told to bring an ice axe and crampons... I must be mad...

BLGC is a great cause, they do wonderful work with vulnerable young people so if I make it back in one piece and raise plenty of cash it will all be worthwhile... please give as much as you can and I will be extremely grateful.

Thank you... wish me luck