Here's why Paul is taking on the challenge, in his own words:

My name is Paul Hodgkinson and I was born in Wakefield on the 21st of July 1967. I had a happy childhood until I had an accident when I was 13 years old and as a result I had to have my left eye removed.

I never understood the agony my parents must have gone through at that time. Life was difficult for us all and we could not of imagined the problems that were to lie ahead.  Numerous operations, countless hospital and specialist appointments the worry of educational difficulties, it all seemed never ending.

There wasn’t much in the way of help and counselling back then for me or my family, you just had to get on with life as best as you could so I decided to make the most of it and not let it hold me back.

Having worked as an electrician for most of my life I have been fortunate enough to have travelled the country and abroad. I’ve seen some amazing places and met some wonderful people on the way. Unfortunately due to my current condition this has all had to come to an end, I am no longer able to work on site, plus its not easy getting there as I am no longer able to drive or ride my motorbike. It was hard doing the long working hours in the cold and wet but if I could I would now gratefully do it all again.

As the years have progressed the sight in my right eye has deteriorated and I don’t know when it will fade forever. It’s not just the headaches that hurt it’s that I feel so isolated, I know I have my family and friends supporting me but personally I still feel I’m destined for the scrap heap. On the worst days I want the world to stop turning and just let me get off.

Before I lose my sight completely I want to do something that I know will help many people, for that reason I have set myself this challenge. I don’t have the luxury of time so I need to act quickly hoping to raise as much money as possible for these fantastic charities. It is also a very personal challenge which I know will give help and encouragement to many others.