Mike Gahan, an avid supporter of Cancer Research Wales, will be taking on the mighty challenge of Everest Base Camp this year to raise vital funds for the charity.
Mike, who is from Undy, Monmouthshire, is excited and ready to conquer another challenge for Cancer Research Wales, having already completing a sizzling hot cycle from Vietnam to Cambodia last year. He will now swap his bike and hot weather for thermals and freezing temperatures to combat the Everest Base Camp, which will take place between the 8th and 25th March this year.
The Everest Base Camp is a trek around the beautiful surroundings of the Himalayas at altitudes as high as 5,500m and temperatures as low as -60°C. There is an 18 Day itinerary which allows for time to explore the surroundings prior to taking on the 120km trek. However, the trek can feel like a lot more than 120km, with rough conditions, high altitudes and lack of oxygen. The highest and most challenging point of the trek will be the summit of Kala Patthar, which sits at 5,545m high and has oxygen levels that will be half of those at sea level, with high risk of altitude sickness.
Speaking about his challenge, Mike said: “So, after trying to cook myself in the heat cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia last year, I am now planning to freeze on a high-altitude trek to Everest Base Camp – clearly the cycling thing wasn’t challenging enough!
“I have always had a love for mountains and as Everest is the highest in the world, it is a real bucket list adventure for me. Unfortunately, I don’t have the climbing abilities to go all the way to the summit, but never say never.”
While he may not be tackling the full summit, Mike is still dedicated to the cause and has been training non-stop for the climb, including winter walks in the Brecon Beacons, hours in the gym and lots of running in between, and unsurprisingly Mike has already dropped half a stone since he has started training.
He said: “It has been hard work, but it will definitely be worth it. Of course, I am nervous, especially about the effects of the high altitude, but the opportunity to raise money for Cancer Research Wales while also completing this once in a lifetime extreme fundraising challenge is very exciting and I couldn’t miss it for the world! All my friends and family have been very supportive as well, and I can’t thank them enough for their sponsorship and kind words, which have helped spurred me on – although my wife does think I am mad!”
Katie Killoran, Fundraising Manager at Cancer Research Wales said: “We very much appreciate Mike Gahan’s ongoing support and his inspiring fundraising efforts. We particularly admire his endless courage and sheer determination to achieve this monumental world-famous challenge. We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for his efforts and contribution to our charity in this instance and for his continued support.
“All of the money Mike raises will help us fund world-class research and make an enormous difference to the fight against cancer in Wales. Cancer Research Wales’ scientists are among the very best in the world; every day they’re making great discoveries in the areas of early diagnosis, better treatments and preventatives of cancer for the benefit of cancer patients everywhere.”
The 18 Day trek takes place on 8 to the 25 March 2018. If you would like to support Mike Gahan and sponsor this trek, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-Gahan
If you are also interested in becoming a community hero to help raise vital funds for Cancer Research Wales, please visit: https://www.cancerresearchwales.co.uk/fundraise/community-heroes/ or contact [email protected]
