Fundraising trek to Everest Base Camp

We had taken 9 days to reach Base Camp but our trek back took only 4 days. Naturally there were celebrations; in fact they lasted 3 nights at 3 different locations, one at the airfield in Lukla and two in Kathmandu, including a traditional Nepalese meal night. We had all worked well as a team, forming strong relationships to help each other through physically and mentally demanding conditions. We had achieved our goal and had raised money for our various charities.

In fact we all appear to have had an overall experience which is beyond description. This is something that I would recommend to anyone. The scenery, the physical challenge and the relationships with our fellow men made us all feel alive. It has changed my life in that I decided that as I was healthy enough at the age of 60 to In fact we all appear to have had an overall experience which is beyond description.

This is something that I would recommend to anyone. The scenery, the physical challenge and the relationships complete the trek. I wanted to spend the rest of my life concentrating on keeping this feeling alive.

Therefore on my return to work I handed my company my formal notice of retirement and I finish work at Christmas to start on a new life experience. I am pleased to say that the sense of well being also carried through to my employer, the international construction company Bovis Lend Lease.

When they found out that I had exceeded my holiday allowance to complete this trek they asked me to pay the salary which I theoretically owed them to the COT rather then deduct it from me. This forms part of the cheque which I am pleased to hand over to the charity.

click on image to enlarge

Doug raised the magnificent sum of £1,243.69 including Gift Aid and on Friday 12th December he and his wife Barbara visited the Trust to present his cheque. The Trust would like to thank Doug for his tremendous support and wish him well for the future.

Now that you have read Doug's story and seen his photographs - are you now tempted to try something similar and raise some money for the Trust?

For more information on how to do this go to our new Overseas Fundraising Events page.

Or you can contact the Fundraising Department on 01233 861 493 or 01233 860 806 or email fundraising@c-o-t.org.uk

Doug is happy to talk to anyone who might be interested in doing a challenge and share his experiences. Please contact the Fundraising Department and we will put you in touch.