Some information about me.

I was born in Auckland in 1953, coincidentally, the same year as Sir Edmund Hillary climbed and conquered Everest. Ever since I can remember, my family has holidayed in the Hauraki Gulf. On the many beaches of its coastline, or sailing in and around it and and staying on its islands. We'd do this pretty much every year from since I was very young.

I am a director of an interior and architectural design company, which I co-founded in 1995. With our strong links to the sea around Auckland, and with the Island of Rangitoto such an iconic feature of Auckland's environment, it was natural to name our company Hauraki Design.

Like most Kiwis, I grew up inspired by Ed Hillary's achievements on Mt Everest, and in Nepal. I'm also fascinated by the high outdoors and the alpine environment. Late in 2008 I decided to look at climbing on Everest (Sagarmatha), in the Himalayas. Things moved fast - and by April 2009 it was all go! I had made a yearlong commitment to:

• A fitness-training programme
• Learning alpine climbing skills
• Visit Nepal in October 2009 to help repair a school in Langtang, in the Himalayas
• On this visit, trek for nine days higher in the mountains
• Climbing on Everest in April/May, 2010

It is a big challenge, all in just one year!

Change of plan

As mentioned elsewhere, the challenge is still on, but is now a little different - three peaks instead of one. Imja Tse (Island Peak), Lobuche East and Parchamo, which stand to the south and west of Everest, and I plan to climb all three, on an expedition with Adventure Consultants.

Foundation for Youth Development.

Even though it is so challenging, I am privileged to be able to do such an adventure, and attempt to realise an impossible dream. I have decided to try to help some of those who are less fortunate, by raising funds for The Foundation for Youth Development. The Foundation is headed by another famous Kiwi Everest climber and world explorer, Grahame Dingle. The Foundation for Youth Development's excellent programmes help kids achieve their own seemingly impossible dreams.

My expedition is totally funded by myself; so all donations go directly to the Foundation - not to me. Thank you for helping to reach my target with your donations. $30,000 is ambitious, but with your help we can do it.

I hope you enjoy following my progress onto and up the mountains...I know that for much of the time I surely won't!

Dave Evans