A TEAM of local walkers have had their final briefing before they head off to Nepal next month to trek to a base camp on Mount Everest.
After months of planning, final preparations are being made as the team gets ready to embark on an ‘experience of a lifetime,’ a three-week expedition in the Himalayas.
The team of 28 hikers, led by army major Robert ‘Rab’ Lundie, leave Westbury on 7th March and fly to Kathmandu for the ‘Westbury 2 Everest’ expedition.
Rab said, “Over the last 14 months, we have walked across some of the UK’s most remote and toughest terrain and battled with extreme weather conditions; gale-force winds, torrential rain and freezing temperatures, all to prepare for what lies ahead.
“Our first challenge is to land safely at Lukla Airport – thought to be the world’s most dangerous airport due to its incredibly small and treacherous runway which is on a steep cliff.
“We arrive at Everest Base Camp which is at an altitude of just over 5360m, and from there we trek to Kala Pattaar which is at just over 5550m. At this height, we will be at risk of acute mountain sickness as we will be walking in an environment that has 50% less oxygen. I think that will be the biggest problem as the majority of the group will suffer from sickness – it may even stop some from being able to continue with the trek.
“We have a real mix of people in the team and it’s great to see the diversity. We’ve got lots of people from lots of different backgrounds, professions and ages – everyone has an important role to play. We are blessed with many skills within the group.
“As well as being a huge life experience for the team, it has also given us a great opportunity to raise some much-needed funds for the charity Maiti Nepal. Maiti Nepal help women and children that have been affected by the human trafficking trade. We decided that this was going to be the main focus of our charity sponsorship and fundraising. Many of the team have organised their own fundraising events and we have also received donations from local businesses that will help us to raise thousands for the charity.
“We would all like to thank Westbury Lions for helping to facilitate the payment of all sponsorship money into a central bank that will then enable us to pay the charity.
“If you would like to support us with raising the much-needed funds, please go to the Westbury Lions website where you will find a link to our just giving page.
“As the expedition draws closer, I’m more than happy with the team’s progress. We are much better prepared than we were 14 months ago. Everyone’s hard work has paid off and we are ready for the trip.”
