Life is filled with those moments of opportunity to show what you are made of. We are all challenged with less than encouraging news at intervals in our existence but it's what you do with this information that will define your purpose and desire to be the best version of yourself.

So for some background! Well, life threw me lemons in the form of a new orifice, a full laryngectomy at the age of 36 years old after much prodding and poking to conclude cancer in the larynx. 3 years of hoarse voice, over a year of severe ear pain, 4 biopsies and a left vocal cord removal to determine its location, hiding in the shadows close to the cartilage causing restrictions to my airways to the point that I ended up in intensive care after one of the surgeries! Waking up 36 hours later in a different hospital was not on the schedule for that day. So we can say it's been an interesting past year!

So promises made under the influence of medication shortly after waking from surgery and posting the pledge over social media brings me here to complete the 3 peak challenge in 24hrs to fundraise for both Macmillan and South Essex Laryngectomy Club. The 3 tallest peaks in Britain on the 10th June starting at 5.30 am and all being well seeing sunrise at the base of Snowdon on the 11th.

Both these associations deserve all the credit and support they receive, they have been instrumental in my recovery and for those in similar situations, not only for the patient but for those close family members. It's easy to forget the trauma inflicted from the helplessness of not being able to do anything to help when life-changing surgery gets you by the throat, yes I wear the physical scars but the strength of family to hold everything together while you are battling is commendable at the least and it is never fought alone.

And that's not all!

Due to overwhelming support from friends, family and even strangers, we will be doing a single peak on the 15th of April, this was meant to be a warm-up for the main event but has turned into a coach load of supporters, for which I am incredibly humbled and appreciative that you are joining me on this journey to create awareness for head and neck cancer and allow for these 2 great support groups to continue to do what they do and do it well.

September 20th, 2022, the day of my surgery but also the day I decided that I would prove to my 2 little boys (5 and6) that no matter what life gives you to endure and navigate, with a positive attitude nothing can stop you from being the best you can be, support those who support you and those who can't support you back. Life is for living, giving, enjoying and doing for others like so many have and are doing for me. Please don't wait for that moment to be better, do it now, don't hesitate, and don't wait for that life-changing circumstance to kickstart the process, get up and climb to the top! (had to get a mountain joke in somewhere!)

We appreciate all donations but if anything please share the story as we will continue trying to create awareness as knowing the symptoms and signs will save lives and inevitably this is really what matters.

So nothing left to do but lace up the boots and get hiking!

Thank you, everyone!