As my 50th birthday approaches, I have decided to mark the year by committing to three physical endeavours (aka midlife moments of madness) to raise money for two fabulous charities (OBT and XLP).

My 3 endeavours
- In April I’m running the London Marathon for the third (and final) time – training is in full swing and I’m even getting a taste for Guinness 0.0…
- In June I’ll be completing the UK Three Peaks Challenge (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon) in 24 hours alongside some GPE colleagues
- In August I plan to scale the iconic Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland

My 2 charities
I’m putting my creaking bones through these three challenges on behalf of two awesome charities which tirelessly carry out vital work to benefit the next generation:

- The Outward Bound Trust (OBT) of which I am fortunate to be a Trustee: UK educational charity that transforms the lives of 25,000 young people annually through outdoor adventure experiences. 80% of OBT attendees receive charitable funding, with every youngster deserving time in the great outdoors – I’m not sure what my physical and mental health would be like without it.

- XLP (eXceL Project) with whom GPE has a 3-year strategic partnership: a small London charity that every year works with, and empowers, 4,000 young people growing up on inner-city London estates, struggling with issues such as family breakdown, unemployment and educational failure, to complete their education, avoid anti-social behaviour and gang violence. Ultimately XLP helps thousands of young people recognise their full potential.

My fundraising
Any further motivation that you can give through supporting me in raising money would be hugely appreciated, with every penny raised going to these two amazing charities. I am also committing to match the first £5,000 raised with a personal donation of £5,000 to OBT.

Thanks so much in advance for your support.

Best Nick