Gary's fundraising story - Climbing Everest for the Together Trust
In October 2022 Gary, a member of staff from the Together Trust's residential services, his brother and a close friend are starting a journey in the Himalayas in Nepal taking in Everest Base Camp and climbing Island Peak standing at 6160 Meters. A challenge they have been planning and preparing for 2 years all to raise money for Lerryn, the Together Trust service Gary works at which offers short, medium and long-term placements for young people where they can recover from their early life experiences.
We spoke to Gary about why he is taking on this mammoth challenge:
What made you want to take part in this challenge?
It’s been a goal of mine for many years to climb in the Himalayas and visit Everest and with this trip, I get to do both. In life, you have lows and highs and this is my high point standing at the summit after all the challenges and dedication to achieving this will be a day to remember.
Why did you decide to support the Together Trust?
I work for the trust and the people I support and help all have struggles, challenges and obstacles to overcome in life. For myself, it is important to show people that anything is possible and with hard work, you can achieve this and I hope to inspire the people I work with to go after their dreams.
Have you faced any challenges with training or fundraising? What are you doing to overcome the challenges?
Just started fundraising as the trip is all funded by myself and any money raised will go to the young people I work with. Training for this trip is challenging from running 50+ KM a week to walking/climbing 25+ KM in the Lake Districts whenever I am free. Overcome these challenges by setting goals and breaking these goals down into daily/weekly targets and tunnel vision in reaching my end goal which is Island Peak Summit.
What advice would you give someone taking part in a challenge event?
Hard work and perseverance and a will and desire to succeed are vital as well as making lifestyle changes to reach your goal. Life is hard and setbacks are inevitable but overcoming adversity and sticking at it are key to any challenge.
How can people support you in this challenge?
Sponsor me please and any money raised will be used to enhance young people’s lives for the better and create memories and dreams that will last a lifetime.
What do you wish you’d known before starting this challenge?
How hard the training would be and how much weight I needed to lose to be mobile and agile in the mountains.
What are you most looking forward to with this event?
I am looking forward to being out of my comfort zone and reaching my target. I am looking forward to standing at 6160M above sea level and being at ease with myself and happy that all my sacrifices have paid off.
Do you have a quote that describes how you feel about taking part in this challenge?
"In life, it’s busy and passes you by in a heartbeat. Don’t stand still and let other people overtake you in reaching their dreams, visions and goals and live with no regrets do everything you ever wanted and look back on your life with nothing but wonderful memories."
We couldn't provide the life-changing support we do without the support of fundraisers like Gary raising vital funds.
You can support Gary's challenge by clicking the link below!