Bex Maybury tells us about her fundraising trek to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

When my graduate scheme employers announced that I was to be granted a 3-month placement in India, I was immediately attracted to the opportunity this would give me to explore the South Asia region. Whilst researching potential destinations, one trip caught my attention- the Everest Base Camp trek. And the more I thought about it, the more potential I saw to combine my little jolly with a fundraiser for two causes very close to my heart- Friend of EduSport and Sport in Action!

Being a ‘trek’ as opposed to a ‘climb’, trekkers must be physically fit, but do not require specialist mountaineering experience. Well, how difficult could it be? I’d been to ski resorts before with no ill-effects of altitude, and walked up more than my fair share of hills whilst at university in Durham. However, despite climbing experience not being a prerequisite, this does not mean the route to EBC isn’t a challenge! Trekkers have to contend with trekking and sleeping in sub-zero temperatures; an ascent to an altitude of 5550m plus and a consequent high risk of altitude sickness; a limited diet; mentally and physically demanding activity; and a thoroughly traumatic toilet situation- to name but a few challenges!

Perhaps worst of all were the flights between the capital Kathmandu and Lukla, the mountain station where we began our trek. Not only were we in a propeller-powered light aircraft, but outward conditions weren’t great. Our flight left at 7am Monday morning, and was the last flight to leave Kathmandu for 3 days due to poor visibility and turbulence- we know this because we met some Yanks who had paid $300 each for a helicopter! The flight itself was rather like a simulator, without the reassuring knowledge that you are attached to the ground. Furthermore, Lukla is a tiny mountain airport, and one end of the runway is 60m higher than the other. One end has a brick wall (presumably to stop you if you overshoot your landing). And when you’re taking off for the return flight, at the other end of the runway is a sheer drop. Sir Edmund Hillary's family were killed here, and on the day that the Polish air disaster happened, it was understandably a nervy day in the air!

However, the sheer beauty of the area more than compensated for the above inconveniences. The scenery (and not just the altitude!) was breathtaking, and so peaceful- we didn’t see a car for 12 days! The sherpas were amazing, the yaks hairy, and the Nepali Buddhist culture fascinating. With the help of an amazing group, some awe-inspiring scenery, a strong sherpa, more chocolate and eggs than I've ever consumed before, and a self-sung soundtrack of such inspirational climbing songs as 'the only way is up' and 'ain't no mountain high enough', reaching Everest Base Camp on day 8 was a jubilant moment for all in the group. Almost (but not quite) as morale-boosting as the Easter Sunday activities of a trekker we encountered en route aka. ‘The Easter Bunny’, who prepared the route with foil-wrapped Easter Eggs for us to pick up as we trundled along!

I’d like to send an enormous thank you to all who donated at www.justgiving.com/bexmaybury and helped me reach a grand total of £495. Please be assured that your money will be put to great use in Zambia.

And as for my next trick….well, who knows? I can assure you it will not be as strenuous as the hundred-mile marathons attempted by some of the more deranged Friends of EduSport…but watch this space!

Bex Maybury

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