Hot news! The story continues - take a look at my latest personal video message to catch up with events. My posts below also give you an idea of how things went on the day.

But don't miss the back story - my first personal video message says it all or just read on ...

"OK, yes I'll do it."

I might be 48 but it seemed a rational commitment to make.

"How far is it", I asked the next week, whilst leant aginst the bar.

"40 miles cycling, 8 miles walking up and down Snowdon and canoe a small lake", they said. [Take a look at the route viewed in Google Earth or view the route in Google Maps]

Later in the bathroom I stared at the scales - 16 stone 2lb. The reality of it hit home - less rational, more irrational!

Six months on and certainly lighter in the pocket after funding the local 'Fat Fighter's' group I've hit my fighting weight and I'm ready for the challenge. I feel a lot better about the prospect of carrying 14st 2lb around for 9 hours or so by bike, foot and canoe than the 16st 2lb I started at!

So now I need your help. Think of it as weight loss. If I can help you to feel lighter (in the pocket) then we're all winners.

On Saturday 7th July I'll be beasting myself as part of a team of four on the Snowdon Charity Challenge - needless to say I am the oldest on the team!

Funds are stretched at the moment for all but I'd be chuffed to bits if you could spare a few bob to help me raise some money to help men and women who have been paralysed in sporting and liesure accidents who are supported by the REGAIN charity.

Having played rugby (and in the front row) it makes me shudder to think that one minute you could go from being fit, active and healthy, and the next be paralysed and in need of support for the rest of your life.

Anyway no need to lay it on thick but if you can help that would be great.

We've done some group fundraising but now it's down to the personal stuff. A bit of a sprint finish as well as it's less than a month to the 'day of pain'!

Donating through JustGiving is dead simple. It's 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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Result!

Thanks very much.

Si