Two half marathons and an Everest base camp trek! (Not the normal one!)

(Please spread the donations across my nominated charities.)

This year I decided I needed a challenge myself with a bit of a physical and mental challenge. So... A friend and I have decided that in November we'll take on a 17 day hike in Nepal called Everest the Hard Way!! This trek to base camp will take us to some of the more remote parts of the Everest region taking us up to 5,600 m (base camp is 5,364). This is a once in a lifetime trip for me and I'm looking forward it very much.

Now... to ensure I'm fit enough to complete the trek I've signed myself up for two half marathons, the Great North Run in September, and the Great Cumbrian in October.

I've paid for all aspects of these events and trips myself and all donations will go to the charities I'd like to support... Penrith Mountain Rescue, Mind, and Cancer Research UK.

Why these charities...

Penrith Mountain Rescue - My local mountain rescue team. I've never had to use them, but I might! All the Lake District mountain rescue teams do a fantastic job and seem to be increasingly utilised!

Mind - Mental health, in my opinion, is one of the most mis-understood conditions... including by me! Mind do a fantastic job in supporting a huge variety on mental conditions.

Cancer UK - Far too many of my family and friends are impacted by cancer in one way or another. There's a lot we still need to learn and understand if we're going to help those in need. Anything I can do to help to raise funds I will.

Please help support these charities and give me an extra boost! It would be great to know that my efforts are benefiting others.