My childhood dreams were to represent the UK, cycling at the Olympics, or climb the highest mountains in the world.

I have missed the London Olympic cycling team for 2012, but still want to challenge myself in the spirit of the Olympic moto: Citius, Altius, Fortius (Faster, Higher, Stronger).

On March 30th I will begin my journey to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar in the Himalayas. I aim to reach a maximum height of 5554m or 18,200 feet where there will be half the amount of oxygen available in Cheshire.

I will be trekking for two weeks and will be posting pictures and diary entries on this blog, to record my journey and share my experiences with my wife Jill, my family & friends and the Hartford Manor Community.

Alongside the trek I hope to raise money for the "Make a Wish Foundation", who will be supporting one of our Year 6 pupils, Alfie Rogers, and his family. Alfie wishes to visit "The World of Harry Potter" at Universal Studios, Florida, with his family with support from the Foundation.

Alfie has been absent from school since July 2011, as he continues to receive treatment for bone cancer. Alfie is responding well to his treatment and has just started visiting school, to work in a small group with his classmates for up to one hour a day.

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, is a charity with a single purpose - granting wishes to children and young people aged 3-17 fighting life-threatening conditions.

If you want to sponsor my attempt to reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patar, and help make Alfie's wish come true, please visit my "Just Giving" page using the link on the right.

Donations through "Just Giving" are fast and totally secure. Your details are safe - they'll never share them with anyone or send you unwanted e-mails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. They'll make sure Gift Aid (an additional 28%) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, too.

This is not an organised charity trek, I am self funding this trip and all donations will go directly to the "Make a Wish Foundation".

Thank you for your support

Simon Kidwell

Monday, 9 April 2012

Hygiene and AMS

Hygiene

I haven't shaved for a week, showered for 4 days and I'm not changing
my socks every day. Is it a coincidence that the Yaks are smelling
better? Most places on the trail to Basecamp so far have showers, but
there are two main reasons I am resisting the call of the shower:First
is the cold. The thought of getting wet when you are freezing does not
appeal. Second the showers are not the most inviting and like many of
the toilets they should be avoided at all costs. You now may be asking
how do you keep clean? The answer is baby wipes. The baby wipe is
currently an essential part of my kit bag. If you are planning on
doing any High Altitude trek do not leave home with out them.


Acute Mountain Sickness

Most people can travel safely and rapidly up to a height of 2800m with
out getting ill. My intinerary with Exodus is designed to reduce the
possibility of AMS but still 30% of people who follow a schedule can
get AMS. I am currently at a height of 3870m and you can feel the
effects of the lack of oxygen when climbing, but I am managing to get
some sleep and I do not have any of the symptoms of AMS. However, if I
do start to feel the early signs I will descend and abandon my
attempt.

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