Exeter climbers attempt to summit Everest... in one day

Climbers at The Quay Climbing Centre in Exeter will be attempting to climb the height of Everest on Friday 12th June as part of a fund raising day to support earthquake relief projects in Nepal.

The event is part of a series of similar challenges taking place at climbing walls across the UK as a way of supporting a part of the world that is close to the hearts of the climbing community and is being organised by two local climbers, Ellie Wilkinson and Denise Murphy.

Climbers are being challenged to complete as many metres of climbing as they can throughout the day in the hope that they will have collectively summited Everest by close of business.

A summit totaliser will track progress throughout the day and the event will finish with a Nepalese celebration banquet including a traditional Nepalese curry cooked by the centre’s resident chef, Paul Reah, and a talk by local mountaineer Mike Bradford – who has taken part in expeditions in Nepal on many occasions.

There will be spot prizes and a raffle running throughout the event. “We’ve been really encouraged by the support from local businesses for this event and hope that people will be inspired by the opportunity to share in a nationwide climbing effort” said Alison Smith, Quay Climbing Centre Director. Event supporters include the Nepalese Gurkha restaurant in Heavitree, Clip n Climb Exeter, Yoga with Tami, Luitzeys Café and Taunton Leisure.

The proceeds from the event will go towards two relief charities that are close to the centre’s heart. The Paldorje Education Fund is run by Sherpa Adventure Gear who funnel much of their profits back to the Sherpa community and at the moment are providing on the ground relief to remote villages, including shelters made by Sherpa’s factories in Nepal. The second is a campaign set up by Beccy Strong, Olivia Doherty and Tanya Perrett who have all worked and climbed in the region.

They are channelling funds to specific long term projects – to rebuild the collapsed Seduwa school in the Makalu region and Phakding village in the Everest region. Tanya Perret, campaign organiser and well known climber at the centre said: “The focus now is on supporting communities in Helambu and Everest to secure a safe living environment during the monsoon.

"For many this means clean water supplies, food, shelter; and where possible education. Post monsoon we will be supporting rebuilds, direct with our friends in the local communities. This will include two villages, in Makalu and Everest. Our whole ethos from the beginning is to work with a few people, that we know personally and see a bespoke number of projects through from start to finish. This ensures we have a realistic manageable objectives. The fund-raising is making a huge difference, thank you so much for your support.”’

If you would like to be part of our summit attempt or buy a ticket to the evening celebration please email Alison@quayclimbingcentre.co.uk for more information.

For more information about the fund raising visit: www.gofundme.com/earthquake-appeal and www.crowdrise.com/helpsherpashelpnepal