Q1 and Q2 2018: Just Challenge Himalayas and Paris Marathon Write-up (email extract)

I wanted to email to thank you again very much indeed for your recent donation and also update you on how I did.  I am very relieved to say that I finished both challenges, not without my fair share of blisters, but with some fantastic memories.  In total I raised over £3,500 which was well above my initial target, thanks to you all.  As a group we raised almost £400,000, to say it surpassed any of the organisers’ expectations would be an understatement. 

The Himalayan hike itself was relatively tough but we were spoilt with some breath-taking views, reassuringly edible food and thankfully no altitude sickness (or need for Imodium). There was also a great bunch of people doing it too which made it all much more bearable and dare I say it fun.  More importantly though we got to see how some of the money raised was being spent which was fantastic.  I didn't put my (lack of) cricket skills to the test against Michael Vaughan but some children in Delhi got to, judging by the smiles on their faces they thoroughly enjoyed it and they’ll really benefit from having more access to sporting facilities. Here’s a short video of the trip which might interest you.  I’m not sure I’ll get an Oscar for my starring role as a banana but you never know…

The weather in Paris was perfect for the marathon and the French even managed to cheer on a ‘roast beef’ which certainly lifted my spirits. My time doesn't exactly give Paula Radcliffe a run for her money but did mean the full 7 hour playlist wasn't required thankfully! 

 A number of people have asked what’s next…for fear of sounding very spoilt skiing last week wasn't exactly ideal post marathon recovery, especially given my ability to master any slope with a gradient steeper than horizontal, so I'm looking forward to taking things easy and hopefully catching up with you all. The suggestion of a sponsored silence from one of you seems most appealing from the lack of training needed, even if I'll probably only manage about 5 minutes. 

Huge thanks again.