Fantastic fundraiser Bob recently returned from his trek to Base Camp Everest in Nepal. A lifelong dream for Bob, the trip proved to be one for the books. Bob documented his trip in his own words.
“Between the 9th and 26th of September 2024, I embarked on a personal trek to Mount Everest Base Camp. This journey is not just a lifelong dream and physical challenge for me, but also a heartfelt mission to support a cause that is very close to my heart – COPS (Care of Police Survivors).
“Throughout my career, I have been deeply proud to have had the privilege of working alongside some truly amazing and inspirational individuals, some of whom tragically never made it home or were taken too early leaving behind their devasted families. COPS provides crucial peer support and access to counselling services, helping the surviving family members of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty rebuild their shattered lives. The work they do is nothing short of remarkable, offering a lifeline to families during their darkest times.”
Day 1
The trek started with a flight to Lukla airport at 6am, which sits at an altitude of 2845 metres (9334 feet). It was a thrilling experience to fly through 7000-metre peaks and to see Everest on the approach. We landed, trekked to Phakding, and stopped at a Monastery to see Monks in prayer. The Sherpas were amazing and we set down overnight in Phakding before we set off on long trek and climb to Nanche Bazar!
Day 2
The day started with a trek to Namche Bazar, one of the highest villages in the world at 3500 metres. This was one hell of a long slog with what felt like a million never-ending steps! We all felt it as the altitude started to kick in. We crossed the iconic Hillary Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in the world, the gateway to Everest.
Day 3
Day 3 was an accimlisation day, but involved a 500 metre climb to see Everest summit from a viewpoint – it was so exhilarating to see this with your own eyes.
Day 4
The day involved an 8 hour trek to Tengbuche. Both myself and my partner fely good, despite the usual altitude headaches.
Day 5
On this day we trekked from Tengboche to Dingboche – the days were starting to feel long with the altitude making one step feel like 100.
Day 6
Day 6 was an acclimatisation day in Dingboche. We learned that ‘acclimatisation’ in Sherpa language means another hike to ascend to a higher altitude and descent down again to acclimatise – it is not the rest day we thought when we booked the trip!
Day 7
Another 8 hour trek from Dingboche to Lobuche with some amazing views of the mountains. Now 5040 metres high, the altitude sickness began to start draining the team. The cold had started to set in and there were no showers or toilets, just a hold in the floor!
Day 8
On day 8 we trekked from Loubuche to Gorak Shep (base camp for Kala Pattar). After setting off at 6.30am, after lunchtime we trekked to Base Camp Everest, which took another 4 hours as people struggled with altitude sickness. Base Camp Everest is around 50% of the oxygen levels of sea level, but it wouldn’t stop us getting there. Everyone in our group of 22 had their own reasons for doing this physical and mental challenge. I wanted to dedicate my journey to the families of those who have lost loved ones on duty. The work COPS does in supporting families with their loss is remarkable.
Day 9-12
Day 9 involved a 4am start to summit Kala Pattar, which is located near the south ridge of Pumori above Gorak Shep. It stood at 5644 metres above sea-level. Out of the group of 22, only myself and one other wanted to summit to the higher altitude, as Base Camp Everest’s conditions were poor. We got a good view of Lhotse, which is the 4th highest mountain on earth.
Day 11 and 12 involved a 60k trek back to Lukla, and we were well and truly knackered!
“The expedition was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone. The heroes of the place really are the Sherpas. There were no cars there, and everything was moved by hand by the Sherpas and their Yaks. Their ubers were horses and they are the most humble and friendly people I ever came across.
“It has been the trip of a lifetime for an amazing charity!”
Thank you Bob for supporting COPS!