Wednesday 8th September 2010 12.33am
Post your Events Entrepreneurs' Everest charity challenge
An intrepid team of successful North East entrepreneurs are set to scale new heights by embarking on the challenge of a lifetime.
The businessmen and women, who are all members or associates of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, are to trek the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp – and raise thousands of pounds for charity on the way.
For most, the expedition is an opportunity to step out of their successful businesses and test themselves in an extreme personal challenge, which will demand high levels of fitness and stamina.
Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Forum, is joining members on the climb, which is being led by experienced Everest trekker Don Cowper and local Sherpas through Charity Challenge, the organisation that took celebrities up Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief last year.
The team departs on April 30, flying to Kathmandu and on to Lukla at 10,000ft before setting out on their trek to base camp at 17,000ft or 5,400m.
They will climb for eight days and take four days on the return leg, camping en route and eating in tea houses.
Their kit will be carried by yaks. The group will also be accompanied by a doctor and first aiders.
Don has been to the Himalayas five times before, as well as scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, completing the Inca Trail in Peru, cycling the length of Lake Malawi and, in 2013, will be the official starter of the Everest marathon.
He said: “Everest is the most spectacular and beautiful place I have been in the world. I’ve seen golden eagles and some of the most amazing flora and fauna up there, as well as 100 metre high bridges and tranquil monasteries.
“The total trek is about 40 miles. We will spend one night at base camp and reach the highest point on the trek, Kalapathar at 5,545m, with breathtaking views of Everest.
“Anyone who is reasonably fit and leads an active life should be OK as long as they take their time to become acclimatised to the altitude.”
Weekly training sessions are being provided by Tony Douglas of Bodyguards gym in Jesmond, Newcastle, who is working on strength and cardio vascular fitness with the trekkers, as well as giving tips on nutrition and eating for energy.
The team has also been supported by Berghaus, which has provided advice on the best gear to take.
As well as fundraising for their own chosen charities, the trekkers will be raising money for Show Racism the Red Card, the North East based charity which runs workshops combining football coaching and fitness with promoting teamwork and understanding between young people.
The adventurers will also visit local schools in Nepal, taking stationery and balloons for the children.
Carole said: “Our Everest Trek is something completely different from the Forum and will be a unique, memorable and possibly life changing experience for all of us who have signed up.
“Business brings with it many challenges and summits to climb. This is obviously a totally different kind of challenge but the self discipline, teamwork and motivation needed are all qualities that our entrepreneurs demonstrate every day in business.
“This is a very dynamic group and I am sure they will learn a great deal about themselves and each other – things that they can draw on in the future and apply to their businesses when they return. Raising money is also a fantastic motivator and we are proud to be supporting Show Racism the Red Card – a national charity started in our region – as well as many other worthy causes.”
To make a donation to the appeal, visit www.everyclick.com/entrepreneursbasecampchallenge
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