A man is to embark on the challenge of his life as he sets off to tackle three peaks all standing at more than 17,000 feet.
Simon Stewart will begin his Everest 3 Peaks 3 Passes Trek in Nepal on November 6, raising money for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw in the process.
The 19-day challenge will see Simon reach Everest Base Camp before he treks the three high passes of Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La.
Simon, who lives in Brampton but is originally from Kendal, said: “I am a committed fell walker and have done most of the Eden Valley fells and the highest peaks in Scafell and Ben Nevis.
“I have a background in endurance events and a sports background in triathlons and marathon running when I was younger, having completed the London and New York marathons and Ironman triathlons in France and Austria.
“I am older now but always looking for a new challenge and Everest Base Camp and Three Peaks was on my bucket list of trying to achieve while still fit enough.
“I know the amazing work the hospice movement do with little government funding. My dad died of cancer at 54, he did not need a hospice, but he had excellent care and support.
“This year with COVID made me reflect and realise I would love to try and help raise as much as I can for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.”
The altitude and steep inclines will make Simon’s challenge one of the most demanding treks in the Everest region.
Simon, 53 and a former firefighter, continued: “I am lucky to have a good career in the fire service for 19 years as a firefighter, watch manager and fire safety manager and I have run my own fire safety consultancy business for the last 11 years. I am in a position where I am reaching retirement and want to give something back.
“I am most looking forward to seeing if I can summit the three passes at almost 18,00ft, the amazing scenery, challenging myself at high altitude, the sub-zero conditions, being part of a small expedition team and the camaraderie this will create.
“However, I am not looking forward to the effect of the high altitude on me and if I got really bad altitude sickness and could not continue. This is an unknown and everyone reacts differently which has no reflection on fitness.”
Simon will be funding the Everest 3 Peaks 3 Passes Trek himself, meaning every donation made to support his fundraising will go directly to Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.
The money raised by Simon will allow the charity to provide vital and specialist care and compassion to local people with life-limiting illnesses.
To sponsor Simon visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simon-stewart12
