Climber David Tait documented his attempt to double-traverse Everest in real time during the April-May summit season in 2007. His witty, refreshingly honest prose gives a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of a mountaineer, illuminating what is often an inscrutable pursuit. The blog will roll out here as the story unfolds on TV over the next eight weeks. David is currently working on a book detailing his experiences in mountaineering.

On March 29 2007, I will be departing for the Himalayas, but this time I hope to achieve a world - and British! - first. My plans are a little extreme. I aim to "double-traverse" Everest. In a nutshell, this means I will attempt to climb and summit from the north, or Tibetan side, and descend down to ABC on the south, or Nepalese side. Then, subject to weather and general health, I plan to simply retrace my steps all the way back to Tibet, summiting yet again en route.

No one has achieved (or even attempted) this before, hence the attraction for me. I obviously have to be lucky - many planets have to align precisely for this to be a success. Probably most importantly I need two successive weather windows that will allow me to make the summit twice - a big ask, but by no means impossible. Secondly, I need both the physical and mental strength to "turn around" and go back up. I remember only too well how drained I was when I finished my descent in 2005.

Once again the expedition is entirely self-funded, and any charitable contributions will go directly to the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) in the United Kingdom. It's been two years since I last went on a fundraising campaign and I'm hoping people will once again be generous.

The charitable proceeds of my summit in 2005 were £200,000 and this money continues to provide support to many abused and threatened children. Any money that I'm lucky enough to raise during this attempt will go to the "Children in Court Appeal," which is a campaign to allow very young, sexually abused children to give evidence electronically and via camera, without having to face their tormentors in court.

I was abused as a child and it changed my life. If I had been able to obtain help at an earlier age it goes without saying that I wouldn't have suffered as much.

I hope you enjoy the dispatches I plan to send from the mountain.

David

Visit David's website at www.davidtait.com for more information about his climbs.