This Autumn I am taking on the Tom Smith Ginza Ridge Challenge, attempting to summit “4 peaks in 4 days for 40tude” on the Ginza Ridge in the Northern Japanese Alps.

I will be part of an amateur team of trekkers taking this on In honour of 40tude's former Ambassador, the rugby legend Tom Smith, who tragically died from colon (bowel) cancer in 2022. Our aim is to raise vital awareness of the importance of acting on any symptoms, and getting screened regularly for this preventable disease.

Rates of colon cancer are increasing, alarmingly, particularly in young people. We are aiming to raise £100,0000 to enable 40tude to establish “The Tom Smith Screening Fund” to subsidise free screening for colon cancer for women and men aged 35-50. Please visit www.40tude.org.uk for more about current screening options

And if you can make a donation, no matter how small, it would be hugely appreciated. Together we can reduce the number of families being affected by colon cancer.