Two Men. Two charities . Two base camps. Too Ambitious? Possibly- but we will give it our best shot!

This August, my son Daniel and I will travel to Northern Pakistan to begin a demanding trek through the Karakoram mountain range.

Over 16 days, we’ll hike to the base camps of both Broad Peak (12th highest in the world) and the legendary K2 - the world’s second-highest mountain.

It’s an ambitious route, physically and mentally demanding, and made much more difficult by the sustained altitude (base camp is at 17,000 feet) and the rugged terrain, with much of the hike being on the infamous Baltoro Glacier.

Added to all of this is the irony that I genuinely do not like heights, and on my only other high level trek was sent down early due to altitude sickness. So all in all I am not quite sure why I am doing this?!

But I am because we want to support two exceptional charities very close to our hearts:

⭐️ Radio Forth 1’s Cash for Kids – empowering vulnerable children across Scotland to overcome poverty and realise their potential.

⭐️ My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – funding research and care for those living with Motor Neurone Disease, inspired by the remarkable legacy of Doddie Weir.

I knew Doddie briefly, and I know he would love a trek such as this, with a physical challenge and hopefully lots of banter and support within the group on the way. We would hope to plant a small My Name5 Doddie momento at the K2 base camp statute, and raise as much as we can towards finding a cure for MND.

Cash for Kids is something both myself and my workplace - Aberdein Considine - have taken to heart, a charity that makes a real difference to children across Scotland, whether that is to get a healthy breakfast in the summer holidays, to get a pair of boots for football camp, or just to be able to have some fun outwith their usual environment.

Both Daniel and I really hope you will contribute to these worthy causes.

💪 Are We Ready?

Physically? Not sure on my part - a Munro and a couple of treks ( to the coffee shop) but how hard can it be?!

Mentally? We’re primed—motivated by an incredible cause and the chance to make a real difference.

Altitude-wise? Let’s just say, we’re hoping enthusiasm counts as oxygen.
We’ll report back, particularly in the early stages of our mission, and let you all know how we are getting on.

We fly out on 10 August 2025. Our kit is—if we’re being honest—not quite sorted yet. But our purpose is clear, and we’re committed to making each step matter.

💛 How You Can Support Us

Every donation will be split evenly between these two wonderful charities. Whether it’s a contribution, a share of our page, or some last-minute packing tips—we’d be truly grateful.

Thank you for helping us turn footsteps into impact and for the support from all you lovely people- we will carry your kindness all the way to K2.

Robert (and Daniel)