There are many reasons people take on challenges, let alone extreme challenges, so why have I? I have always enjoyed pushing myself to the limit. Actually that's not strictly true. On completion of the 300 mile Pennine way in 2004 I turned to my friend John after 11 days of walking through bogs, forests, valleys and over moutains, after days where I felt I could not walk a moment longer. Having walked through rain, wind and more rain, we sat together in the Pub at Kirk Yetholm and I uttered the words, "I'm never going to do anything like that again!"

2008 saw myself and a friend complete an End to End walk (1200 miles) of Britain in only 64 days. Having completed this extreme challenge (and all the less extreme ones) I can now admit to myself that I like the challenge. I may not like it all whilst completing the challenge, but soon enough the rose tinted glasses come on and all I want to be doing is my next challenge.

The start of 2009 has come with a rollercoaster of 'yes' and 'no' for the requirement for me to go to Afghanistan with the TA. Since the start of August, this became more and more 'yes' than no. And now I find myself counting down the days until I fly out! Herrick 11 will be my next challenge!!