Everest challenge

Simon's Everest Adventure

61-year-old Simon Knighton from Marlborough, Wiltshire, is climbing Mount Everest this April to raise £100,000 for Age UK and his local school. If successful, Simon will become the first British person over 60 to reach the summit of Everest by the North Ridge.

Simon will be taking a three month career break to achieve this life-long ambition. By taking on the challenge, he hopes to show that everyone has the potential to do something incredible, whatever their age.

Simon said: 'I’m by no means a professional mountaineer, and climbing Mount Everest will be the greatest challenge of my life. I’ve been training for the climb for a year and whilst I feel confident I can tackle Everest, I know that luck will have a significant part to play in my success.'

He added: 'I’m dedicating the expedition to Age UK and local charitable organisations as I feel that we should all have access to health and wellbeing services in later life. I’m also hoping my experience will inspire others to set themselves a personal challenge and do something extraordinary for charity.'

To donate to Simon's Mount Everest climb, please visit Simon's JustGiving page.

To follow Simon, please visit his  My Everest site for updates from the mountain and for progress reports of all the "My Everest" challenges.

Take on your own 'My Everest' personal challenge

If you have been inspired by Simon, why not take on your own personal 'My Everest' challenge? Whether it's 20 laps of the pool or a 10k run, by setting yourself a personal challenge and completing it, you can raise vital funds for vulnerable older people and be really proud of your own achievement.

For your free 'My Everest' fundraising pack, contact the Events Team on 0203 033 1725 or email events@ageuk.org.uk.