Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  The challenge is self-funded and any monies raised will go towards the Everest Research Centre, which has been created specifically for research into childhood low grade brain tumours, to try and find less toxic treatments and a possible cure. 

Why am I doing the challenge?  Because Toby, my youngest son, has a brainstem tumour and research is the most practical way we can help him in the future. 

At the end of February 2018, alongside a team of others, we will ski over 60 km, uphill, achieving the height of Everest - that's 8,848m. Staying in mountains huts we will be pushed to our limits and beyond, mentally and physically. During a marathon you typically burn 3,000 calories and we will be burning 8,500 on each of the 4 days. www.everestinthealps.com

But we are doing it for something very important.

Brain Tumours kill more children than any other cancer. Over 26,800 children and young adults have a paediatric low grade brain tumour diagnosis. For many this diagnosis means years of gruelling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Toby has had 2 major brain operations and 18 months of chemotherapy in 5 years - not much of a childhood. 

For those that survive, 62% are left with life-altering disability, and the threat of relapse is constant. Despite this, progress and treatments have not advanced much, and only 1.99% of national cancer research is allocated to research into brain tumours.

For us Toby, who has a tumour in his brainstem, has shown incredible courage during his various treatments over the last 5 years and never complains. Like many children with a brain tumour he faces his personal "Everest" everyday, getting dressed, moving around school, fighting fatigue and trying to live the normal life of a young school boy.  He does a pretty good job at this.  He loves life.

This pioneering research will allow scientists to accelerate progress towards finding more effective treatments for the disease and could be revolutionary in improving the lives of children living with low grade tumours.

The Everest in the Alps challenge will raise money for a new, ground-breaking £5m research centre - The Everest Centre for Research into Paediatric Low Grade Brain Tumours. It brings together international field leaders and aims to better understand low grade tumours and develop improved and safer treatments for children.

The Brain Tumour Charity has pledged £5m to the Centre over five years. Through the last Everest in the Alps challenge, an incredible £3m was raised, but we've got more fundraising to do to make sure the vital research can be funded.

Please show your support for this important cause.

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.