A group of 14 people have raised more than £50,000 for the charity 2wish after conquering Everest Base Camp in 12 days, one day less than originally planned.
The team, which included bereaved parents and 2wish employees, trekked 130km and reached a height of 5364 meters between October 11 and 23. They have raised an impressive £51,399.96 for those affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 or under.
Following a rocky start with a late arrival into Lukla due to weather conditions, the team began their challenging expedition, navigating tricky terrain and thinning atmosphere. They were rewarded along the way with stunning scenes of the Himalayas, and reached Everest Base Camp 12 days later.
The journey was testament to the power of community and team spirit, plus the support they received from home in the UK.
Keen to continue their fundraising and raising awareness for 2wish, the team have already started talking about their next trek, which they plan on happening in 2025.
Their first trek was to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2022.
Keira Smith, who lost her daughter Mali due to complications at birth in 2018, said: “Climbing to Everest Base Camp was the most incredible experience. It was certainly tough at times, physically and emotionally.
“We spent time remembering those that we have lost and created a bond that will last a lifetime. Through amazing team work and pure grit, we all pulled together to make sure we all got to Base Camp. It was an amazing adventure that will live in my soul forever.”
Another Everest base camp trekker was 2wish’s Fundraising Administrator, Beverley Slocombe.
Beverley, who turns 70 in April said, “It was harder than I had envisaged, but beautiful, life-changing and exhausting in a good way!”
She added, “The last couple of days were the hardest because I was feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. There were tears for five-10 minutes on the last day (five hours before reaching the camp) but the guides and the team got me through it. And we’ve raised an incredible amount, so I’m feeling super proud of myself and all of us.”
2wish’s CEO Rhian Mannings MBE said of the Everest trek, “I’m so incredibly proud of all who took part in the Everest base camp trek and their commitment to this expedition from the get go.
“It has been funded entirely out of their own pockets and every penny of the £51,399.96 raised will go towards supporting those affected by the sudden death of a child of young person. It’s an amazing achievement that will have a lasting impact on the lives of others.
“We’ve all got the walking bug as planning is already underway for the next fundraising trip.”
