Joanne Coleman

Joanne Coleman, from Bath Travel in Fordingbridge, Hapshire, wrote a poem about an unforgettable encounter in a temple on holiday in Thailand

"I took time to absorb the moment, to reflect on achievements to date,
The Monk turned, whispered quietly, 'you have arrived but you're little late.'
I looked at him with a puzzled gaze, was this a sign or a call to begin.
Again he spoke gently, 'This is your life, just live it and remember to look within.'"

Jo's reaction: "Climbing Everest isn't something I ever thought I'd get the chance to do. I do love climbing but Everest felt like one of those distant dreams
"I'll be doing lots of stair walking, and swimming at least three or four times a week, and going on some good long walks.
"I'm borrowing a cross-trainer from a friend as well. I'll be taking probiotics too before I go to make sure my stomach is in good health! I keep thinking, am I really doing this? I don't think it's sunk in yet. Think what memories I'll have, and what a sense of achievement. What an amazing story to tell the grandchildren."