The Ultimate Challenge

Hello, my name is Beck. I'm 26 years old. Sometimes I walk up the escalators on the Tube. This is not a regular occurence because I do not seem to be able to keep up with "commuter speed" and invariably end up annoying the massed ranks of angry London people. I do not own a pair of walking boots.

In September 2003 I shall be hiking the Peruvian Inca Trail to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. This is a 12-day journey to the sacred city of Macchu Picchu involving 6-8 hours' trekking a day, at altitude. I've decided to visit the gym more often, take my chance with the escalators and buy some suitably rugged footwear.

My minimum fundraising target is £3000, but I'm trying to aim higher. Cancer Research call this The Ultimate Challenge, and I hope I'm up to the task.

I need to send £2400 to the charity by 14 July 2003 so I've got to get myself in gear as soon as possible, and on this site I'll keep a diary of my progress in terms of fundraising and fitness.

Cancer will affect one in three of us, and one in four of us will die from the disease: you'll certainly be in the minority if you don't come in touch with it one way or other during your lifetime. Cancer Research UK receives virtually no government funding, so projects like The Ultimate Challenge are vital. Please take a look at how you can help me raise this money.