It was time to devise a fitness regime and I enlisted the help of fitness instructor Scott Bryne at Cannons in Chichester to get me in tip-top shape for the job.

His first words were 'good luck' and after going through what I would be doing I understood why – this wasn't going to be a Sunday stroll in the park. Scott merrily assured me the next few weeks were going to be tough.

Each session at the gym would begin with 20 minutes on the walking machine.

This sounds easy, but a quick walk at varying inclines means your legs definitely get a good walkout in preparation for the uneven ground around Everest.

After a cooling-down period and gulp of water, it was time for the Reebok board, a wobbly board which you use to do step-ups on.

I was to do ten in a minute – again this is aimed at getting my legs used to the uneven ground.

Next on the workout Scott said I should do ten to 15 minutes on the summit climbers using levels three to five.

These are real beasts, and are designed to work both your legs and arms.

Scott said not many gym members used them and after my first proper go I realised why.

I was puffed out after two minutes, my heart was racing like an F1 car and my legs were struggling to turn the pedals.

After the pain of the summit climbers I went straight on to the exercise bike for 15 minutes using a hillclimb programme, at levels six to eight.

Historically my stamina on the bike hasn't been too good, but Scott said that after the cross hikers it would be a doddle, though I remained to be convinced.

Following this, I jumped in the pool and did as many lengths as possible underwater to help increase my lung capacity and then do some quick lengths, alternating between breast stroke and front crawl, making sure I didn't dawdle.

Swimming is a good exercise for the whole body, including the lungs.

After cheerfully wishing me luck, I was presented with my exercise card ready to begin the hardest few weeks of my life.

All of the layers covered to cope with with conditions.

Another important aspect of my preparations in the past few weeks has been sorting out what clothes I will need to take.

It has not just been a question of choosing a jacket and some shoes – we'll be in some quite extreme conditions so our clothing needs to be made for the job.

It's all about layers, and there are three of these: base, mid and outer layer.

The function of these layers is to let perspiration vapour escape from your skin to keep you warm.

The base layer is vital, made up of thermal underwear while the outer layer is aimed at keeping out the rain and wind.

Probably the number-one item is some good walking boots which are comfy, strong and able to withstand the conditions.

I have got most of my gear from outdoor company Berghaus.

My boots are made from leather with a Gore-Tex lining, which is durable, breathable and waterproof.

These boots are designed with proper ankle support, good cushioning on hard surfaces, and the Gore-Tex means that your feet are kept dry and comfortable.

The boots won't work on their own – you also need a thick pair of trekking socks to stop boots rubbing and causing blisters.

The next item is a warm jacket for the outer layer.

Although it won't be the coldest time of year, conditions could change and it is vital to have a good jacket to keep body warmth in.

I've chosen a down jacket, which is filled with goose down insulation, and a fleece-lined collar, designed for cold alpine environments.

Once we reach 7,000ft the temperature will be a lot colder so the down jacket will be a welcome addition to a fleece top. Waterproof trousers are also a must, in case of a sudden downpour.

Most people think of main body wear, but other necessities are a scarf, hat and gloves.

It's well-known you lose most of your body heat through your head, so a hat in these cold conditions is vital.

A scarf will stop any heat escaping from the top of your jacket and gloves will obviously mean you can work with your hands without feeling cold.

I won't let those summit climbers beat me

Since that first visit to Cannons Health Club in Chichester I've been determined to do as well as I can.

I definitely feel a lot fitter and I have bags more energy which will hopefully stand me in good stead for the trek.

The summit climbers have been a real stumbling block.

I can't do the 15 minutes in one go so I've been dividing it into slots of five minutes and resting briefly, but I'm determined to get there.

Just as Scott said, the bike has felt like a dream after the dreaded summit climber and I've been pleased to see that I'm able to stay on it for the whole 15 minutes.

Ending with the swimming has been a great idea and doing quick lengths has really upped my energy.

Over the weeks I've also been eating more slow-release carbohydrates such as porridge, brown bread, bananas – foods which the body takes longer to break down, leaving you feeling fuller for longer and which are beneficial if you are doing lots of exercise.

Last weekend I went on a two-hour walk over the South Downs with some of the trekkers and this weekend I'll be off to north Wales to do some walking in the mountains, so all in all, I should be well-prepared for when I begin this amazing adventure.


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