Experience is a gift of life.
For me, experience has never been about a 5 star hotel or fine restaurant. Instead I have always believed a true experience is one that removes me from the world I know and positions me in a place of uncertainty within which I am afforded an opportunity to grow. A situation or event that challenges my body, mind and spirit to see my vulnerability and through that lens to witness something unique, a personal evolution.
Some of my experiences
London Marathon 2007
London Marathon 2007
London Marathon 2007
This was my first challenge. It was tough. I prepared well for it, but 26 miles is a long distance. It took a good few days to recover. The crowd was amazing though and the atmosphere they created was incredibly motivational.
London Marathon 2009
London Marathon 2007
London Marathon 2007
Why again? That was a question I was asking a lot, after mile 12. Two reasons really. First to raise money for Wellchild, a charity that is close to my heart. And second to see if I could do it quicker. I did. But only 2 minutes quicker than 2007.
Kilimanjaro 2010
London Marathon 2007
Kilimanjaro 2010
I hadn't thought about a challenge like this, but Wellchild asked if I'd like to join a group they were pulling together and I thought - why not! It was here that I really got the bug for taking on these slightly more extreme adventures.
Inca Trail 2013
Everest Base Camp 2016
Kilimanjaro 2010
This journey was a family affair. We took the decision to bring adventure into our summer holidays and it has remained a core element since. Out of all the challenges, I cherished this the most for the company I had and moments we shared.
Everest Base Camp 2016
Everest Base Camp 2016
Everest Base Camp 2016
Base Camp was a substitute challenge, after a North Pole trek fell apart (all the group members pulled out apart from me). It was an amazing in the company of a diverse group and set against such awe inspiring landscape.
Zambezi River 2019
Everest Base Camp 2016
Everest Base Camp 2016
In some ways this was the toughest of all my adventures. 100km's kayaking along the Zambezi. The days were long and unlike all my other excursions, the wildlife was plentiful. It was here that I came the closets it. Too close. (see below)
Lyke Wake Walk 2021
Lyke Wake Walk 2021
Lyke Wake Walk 2021
My first excursion after Covid. A 40 mile trek across the width of the Yorkshire Moors that gained its title from the old english to watch over the wake of the dead. In bygone years villagers would carry their dead up into the Moors to bury them.
Kilimanjaro 2022
Lyke Wake Walk 2021
Lyke Wake Walk 2021
Another family affair. My daughter & I taking the mountain on to celebrate her graduation. At the time I kept saying to myself, this is tougher than last time. But then I got the certificate & saw we had summited 3 hours quicker.
Hadrian's Wall 2022
Lyke Wake Walk 2021
Hadrian's Wall 2022
2022 was the time for another UK excursion, along the Roman landmark. The central part of the walk is the best, but good company and beautiful English countryside, made the five day exclusion another to cherish.
Respect nature.
The above image isn't the clearest, but it is fit for purpose. What you can see is a hippopotamus attacking our fleet. If you look at the hippo's gaping jaw in the middle of the picture, then look above at the person holdng an oar at shoulder height, wearing a hat and purple shirt - that is me. The animal had just attacked another kayak before launching towards mine. I have never felt more insignificant in this world.
Why were we attacked? The explanation provided was because climate change has reduced the water levels so much, and hippos reside in deep water, so with a reduction in the areas available for them to occupy, they have moved closer to and at times under the paddling route. I loved this adventure, but would I do it again after this encounter - probably not.