I'm 50  in October and wanted a challenge - obviously to prove i'm not really 50!

So over a second bottle of wine on a long lazy lunch whilst skiing with my friend Stuart I agreed to climb the Matterhorn on 18th August 2010. It's only 14692 ft and although I've never climbed in my life (other than ladders) I foolishly agreed. Now here's the remarkable thing my Dad, who incidently has just celebrated his 75th birthday, asked if he could join me (just in case you are thinking - no he hasn't ever climbed either). 

So this year after a couple of sessions on a climbing wall in the mountain resort of Warrington, near Manchester, with Stuart and another friend Chris ( they haven't climbed before) we embarked on a few fell walks and some climbing in the Lake District, in fact Dad has now done about 6 climbs and is definately the most experienced. If my dad reaches the top at the age of 75 before me I will feel far older than my 50 years (but prouder of the Old Mountain Goat).

So I am looking to raise £1 per foot, just short of 15K, forget Michelin stars, Chefs of the Year, Honorary Fellows, MBE's this will be some achievement, up and down in 2 days all for ChildLine and NSPCC. I'm going to attempt to send a live video feed to the Heathcote's website, no cooking on the top, however I will probably have a few choice words whilst climbing  some which have been used in the kitchen. 

With the support of Stuart, Chris and the motivation of my Dad we will make it - and I hope to the benefit of a very worthwhile charity these children have their own mountain to climb. Please give.