Triathlon 2012

I leave for the Himalayas at the beginning of April this year to attempt a climb to the summit of Mount Everest from the Tibetan side via the North Ridge, the chosen route of Mallory and Irvine. If I am successful I believe that I will be only the second British over 60 year old to summit and the first via the technically more interesting North Ridge.

As this is my lifetime’s greatest mountaineering challenge I have also decided to dedicate the expedition to making my biggest attempt ever at personally raising funds for two very good causes:

  • Nationally for Age UK – the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. Not only do they provide a hugely important range of services to older people but I will be campaigning with them to promote better health and wellbeing amongst all of us as we get older.
  • Locally for St Michaels Primary School – to improve facilities at a school that is at the heart of the community where I live and which provides a number of extended services: pre-school, breakfast club and after school clubs and care.

Our campaign is called “my Everest”. We want people and organisations from all over our area to join and to set personal challenges in 2011 and to raise money for Age UK and other good causes. I am meeting my expedition costs personally so every penny raised goes to the charities.

Your help is needed, please consider one or more of the following:

  • Sponsor me or any of the local challenges on Just Giving and send a message to encourage others.
  • Follow my progress on my Facebook Page so that you become part of the community that is supporting this challenge. You will also be able to find out about other challenges that people are attempting.
  • Do a “my Everest” challenge yourself, let me know through simon@matrix-s.com so we can publicise, and get friends and family to sponsor you. As long as your challenge relates to health and wellbeing it counts and great ideas so far include a swimathon, a weight loss group, running a mile, walking 5 miles once a week for a month.
  • Tell your friends about this and encourage them to do one of the above too.
  • Remember also that I am only taking a career break to do this and don’t forget about me if you have any projects or assignments that you think I could help with professionally.