Page 20 - Lion Oct Nov 2016

The Climb To Everest
In October 2015, Westbury Lions Gareth and Karen Hopkins tentatively replied to an article in their local paper. Army Major Rab Lundie was planning on taking a team of local civilians on a trek to Everest Base Camp March 2017. Following the first presentation evening the pair were still very sceptical; lots of questions needed answering including where do they find the time and enthusiasm for all the training, did Karen fully understand the extreme conditions they would face and can they secure the leave from work? After the second presentation evening they were both excited and fully committed to the expedition and the training began!
The group of around 30 embarked on several days trekking together at Snowdonia, Pen Y Fan, Brecon Beacons and the Jurassic Coast. The team experienced such severe weather conditions they really felt the challenge and realised very quickly the importance of testing not only their endurance and capabilities but equally important their kit! The negatives, including a leaking kit, swapping a hotel for a hostel and needing the loo behind a bush, were soon outweighed by the positives. The team had improved their overall fitness and lost weight, experienced breath-taking sights and scenery and most importantly mad new friends for life as the team began to gel.
Trekking in the Himalayas will pose a number of physical and mental challenges. Most notably, high altitude will pose a number of physical and mental challenges not experienced whilst trekking at home. All members are expected to experience some levels of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as the team will cover a total 76 miles to a height of 5555 metres /18225 feet during the 15 day trek, acclimatising on the way with stops at Kathmandu and Lukla to aid acclimatization.
The most important part of the trip is to visit the Nepalese charity Maiti Nepal. Established in 1993, the charity’s aim is to rehabilitate children who have experienced sex trafficking, child prostitution and child labour as well as many other forms of abuse. The girls are given an education, counselling and a safe home environment. More importantly, they are provided with loving care and hope for their future. The charity are raising awareness with the government about child trafficking and labour and currently operates homes in Kathmandu, as well as transit homes and schools at Indo-Nepal border towns. The team aim to take funds raised individually to Maiti Nepal to help fund and rebuild the school damaged in last year’s earthquake.
Look out for Gareth and Karen’s follow up article after the expedition!
October/November 2016
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PICTURE CREDIT: NEHAL EVEREST