First of all, it’s a little late but happy New Year to all of my followers and supporters! Hope you had a good Christmas too. Only 359 days to the next one. Didn’t 2013 go fast?!

For me, it was an exciting year that saw me challenge my capabilities further than ever before. I finally got rid of my A-levels to work full time on Everest preparation, not much time for much else. I had the challenge to fund my Baruntse adventure, then to climb it, not forgetting every obstacle on the way. Always highs and lows. Losing my grandad and my dog Hooch knocked me to my knees, I really hope I do them proud.

Sir Steve Redgrave

But I’ve picked myself up again and made great new friends in the outdoor world. The progress with my Everest dream, such as getting my major sponsors Textlocal.com onboard, have been the highlights for sure. I want to say a big thanks to everyone who’s helped me along the way and the people who behind-the-scenes gave their time and support for nothing in return. I’m glad to have so many supporters and sponsors who’ve joined the journey, especially my mum, close friends and the Everest climbers/fellow Everest-climbers-to-be who’ve been there and mentored me: you know who you are and I salute you.

Top of the Amphu Labsa pass, 5800m.

By the way…. 2014 is the year I climb EVEREST!!!! Feels closer than ever. Awesome yet imposing. I have to take everything I’ve learnt and chuck it (and more) into the final chapters of the long and winding road. This could well be the best year of my life.

Soon to be the worlds’ highest Giant Banana… in my Marmot 8000M suit.

The title of this blog is an odd one, because I haven’t a clue how to cure a hangover from going teetotal on the New Years Eve celebrations (other than stop drinking). Even as an Everest-climber-to-be, you may be surprised to hear I have never been drunk.

‘You’re 18 and you don’t drink?!’ many have gasped in horror. ‘What do you do with your free time?!’. Whilst most I know were out having fun last night, I was at work washing an Everest-sized portion of plates and pans on the restaurants’ busiest night of the year. Whilst everyone toasted with some champagne at midnight, I was content with a Latte. In my last blog, I joked about getting a coffee machine for Christmas… and I got one!

Drink of the gods.

Those who’ve overindulged may be reading this with a head feeling similar to mine on Mera Peak in October and wondering what the chuff I’m on about. My message is that to make change happen, you have to take the first step. But are you going to do it this new year, or next one? The lingering haze of a hangover resembles the struggles and problems in life we have yet to change- and every year I hear people declaring their new years resolutions, whether it’s to stop smoking, run a marathon, lose weight, start knitting, find a new job… you name it. Find your Everest in life and make a plan. So you’re going to make 2014 the best year of your life… but how? If Plan A doesn’t work every New Year, where’s Plan B?

My New Years resolution is simple this year. To climb the highest there is, raise £29,035 for 2 awesome charities and make positive change happen.

BRING IT ON!!!