From Bedford to Base Camp: Ian smashes Everest challenge for Hft
Ian’s challenge up one of the world’s most iconic mountains has raised over £8,000 for Hft
A dad of one has raised more than £8,000 for the charity he works for after scaling one of the most iconic mountains on earth.
Ian Earey, a Regional Service Manager for the learning disability charity Hft, took on the challenge of scaling Mount Everest over eight days.
Ian was accompanied on his trek by guide Budda and porter Binnod. And just days after climbing back down from Everest’s base camp, he’s keen to return.
“Words cannot describe it – it was the most phenomenal experience and I just want to go back.”
Ian, from Bedford, took a 20 hour flight from Heathrow to Dohar and then Katmandu, before starting his mountain challenge which saw him trek an average of between five and seven hours a day.
“The most challenging part was to maintain a steady pace,” said Ian.
“It’s easy to forget the altitude which you are walking at and you have to go at a certain pace.
“Due to the slower pace, I was able to really take in the incredible surroundings.
“I felt like I was in a new place every five steps. The landscape was awe inspiring.”
One of Ian’s favourite moments on the trek was when they arrived in Namshe Bazar.
“There were lots of children playing happily in the street,” he said.
“They saw us and sprinted over, giving us a big hug. That was such a special moment.”
Ian stayed in tea houses and guest houses, run by Nepalese locals, on route with temperatures at night plummeting to around minus 20.
“It was 28c when we arrived in Katmandu, but the temperature dropped the higher up Everest we went.
“It could get pretty cold at night,” he said.
Ian managed to keep in contact with his family, friends and work colleagues every day.
“The daily contact really helped and made me feel that everyone was on the journey with me and could experience a piece of what I was,” said Ian.
“It was important to have that continued connection with people.”
Ian took a Hft flag to fly when he reached Everest Base Camp.
“As I got to base camp I felt an overwhelming sense of relief,” said Ian.
“I had such responsibility to all those who sponsored me to complete the challenge.
“But there was also a massive sense of achievement. Once we arrived I just sat there for a while and just took it all in.”
Ian made it back down the mountain in just two and a half days and then spent three days in Katmandu where he spent time visiting the Monkey Temple, a Hindu Temple and the Holy River.
“Climbing Everest was the most remarkable thing to do,” said Ian.
“As I climbed the mountain I was thinking about the people we support every day, knowing every step I took and every penny raised would go to continue to support the work Hft does every day.
“I set myself a fundraising target of £6,000 so to raise more than £8,000 is incredible and a big thank you must go to everyone who donated.”
Ian celebrated his return to Blighty with a Turkish meal with his family.
“Although I probably won’t climb Everest again, I would love to go back and explore Nepal further,” he said.
“For now, I will be taking it easy before deciding on my next adventure.”
Hft Community Fundraising Manager Emma Macdonald said: “A huge thank you to Ian for taking on the incredible challenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp in support of Hft.
“His dedication, courage and determination to raise awareness and funds for learning disabled adults is truly inspiring.
“His achievement is not only a testament to his strength and perseverance but also to his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
“The funds raised and the visibility brought to our cause will go a long way in helping us continue our work and provide valuable resources to those who need them most.”
