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After the initial weekend of tests I was sent home to pack my bags for a protracted course of chemotherapy. Upon admission to the The Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton, I was amazed how many other “inmates" were there and how relaxed and cheerful everything was. Although it was a general oncology ward it was comforting to realise that I was not the only one who had contracted the illness.

Over the course of the next 12 – 18months I underwent 4 courses of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. I remember feeling the frustration of having spent a number of weeks at a time in hospital how joyful I felt when I was told I could go home for a day or even 2 between courses of treatment, only to be told at the eleventh hour I had some sort of infection and had to undergo courses of antibiotics. There were 3 of us on the same clinical trial so again it was comforting and inspiring to see how we all coped with the treatment.

During the treatment time I must have undergone a full range of emotions from anger to appreciation. During the low times, of which there were some, it gave me a chance to revaluate my life and look at living in a whole new light. The main emotion that almost all the patients and certainly all the staff had was one of positivity, support and dedication. The situation you are in makes you realise that no matter how ill you are and feel, there is always someone in there who is worse.

Over the course of the hospitalisation I built up strong friendships of all adult ages and was a witness for a chap called Tim who got married on the ward. Sadly a few days later he died. This feeling we were all “in the same boat” inspired us all and with the professionalism and dedication of the medical staff, gave us the hope and determination to combat the illness and view the treatment as a temporary inconvenience. The atmosphere on the ward, whilst sometimes sad, was one of camaraderie. One evening I was discussing with Tim various aspects of life and it came to a “things to do before you are 50” conversation. There were a number of things I recall on my list. Some of these were obvious and outlandish such as get over the treatment, become a millionaire, own a Ferrari and get married. I recall quite high on my list was an attempt to summit Everest.

Upon my final release from hospital I went through a period of feeling alone after all the attention of having everything done for you. Again with the support of counsellors, medical staff, friends and family I am happy to say in time I came through this phase.

Early in 2007, my boss Colin asked me if I was interested in accompanying him on a 17 day trek in the Himalayas. This would culminate in arriving at Everest Base Camp which is approximately 18,000 feet above sea level. When I sat and thought about it my mind took me back to that damp September 1992 evening in hospital and the conversation I had with Tim. I accepted the offer from Colin and on September 28th 2007 we departed and successfully took on the challenge to trek from Lukla in Nepal arriving at Everest Base Camp on October 8th 2007.

Subsequent thoughts as we planned this trip lead me to set a goal that in the spring of 2009 I will, subject to interim training and other successful mountain "top outs", attempt a summit bid on Everest. Whilst this is obviously the “Ultimate Challenge” I am under no illusion how difficult the task ahead will be. My feeling is that given the illness I contracted and the subsequent treatment, it cannot be anymore difficult. I am lead to believe the success rate of summiting and surviving Everest is the same as children who survive Leukaemia...75%.

In recognition of the dedication, professionalism and support the medical staff and Leukaemia Busters gave and continue to give me during my illness and others, as a mark of respect to Tim and to try and repay in some small way my gratefulness for the gift of life, I decided I would like to raise the level of awareness of the illness and the pioneering work the charity involves itself in and obtain as much needed sponsorship and donations as I can.

There will be various stages of this challenge. Owing to an aboorted trip this summer to the Alps through a foot infection the scehdule has had to be re vamped it is now planned as follows:

• 17 day trek to Everest Base Camp - SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

• 2008 – Attend equipment and technique training in England & Wales on scrambling, rock climbing and hillwalking.

. April 2009 - 21 day Summit Attempt on Mera Peak (6,654 mtrs.

. June 2009 - Equipment, technique & terrain training in Switzerland culminating in a summit on Mt Blanc.

• Late autumn 2009- 41 day High Altitude Summit Attempt on Everest sister peak Mt. Cho Oyo which is just over 8,000 metres above sea level.

• Spring 2010 – Summit attempt on Mt. Everest.

I have set up this web page to show the physical training I am undergoing and it is regularly updated with news, progress reports and blogs. There is also a link directly to Leukaemia Busters through the “just giving” logo above this narrative so people can donate on line. I have distributed sponsorship forms which are attracting support and my local gym is running a fitness day during my trek in October where donations will be split with Leukaemia Busters.

Any donations you make no matter how small will make such a difference to a child's life.

Thank you for your support and generous gifts

Chris Williams .. ....