A fateful urge to try paragliding on holiday in Turkey aged 13 unearthed my passion for the outdoors – a way to prove myself wrong and outdoor challenges became a way to overcome my internal ones. Scuba diving, rock climbing, mountain biking, running… I was eager to find out what else I could overcome.
After proudly climbing my first mountain, Ben Nevis, a walk in the Lake District in 2010 inspired the question ‘Where is Mount Everest?’. The question captivated me. Doing the Three Peaks Challenge in 2011 was the earliest step before climbing Mont Blanc, and heading to the Himalayas for the first time aged 18 to climb Baruntse (7,129m). Making a difference for good causes in the process is very important to me, and my early charity fundraising led to the honour of being a London 2012 Olympic Torchbearer through Chester.
Mine is not your typical Everest story; nor did I have wealthy parents to simply sign a cheque for the expedition fee. Since leaving sixth form college I have funded my adventures single-handedly through corporate sponsorship and various jobs – from washing dishes to mowing lawns!
In 2014 my first attempt to climb Everest ended in disaster with an avalanche which tragically killed sixteen people. In 2015 I returned; this time I was trapped on the mountain with my team when a huge earthquake struck Nepal and devastated the country, whilst taking the lives of three team-mates at base camp.
This experience left me determined to make an even bigger difference. So, I began fundraising for Nepal by cycling the height of Everest in one day (known as ‘Everesting’) and organising Walk4Nepal on the anniversary of the earthquake, which has raised over £27,000 to date for PHASE Worldwide to support the earthquake victims.
I’m proud to be an ambassador for Westgrove Group, YHA England & Wales, PHASE Worldwide and Viewranger which gives an amazing opportunity to reach out and inspire even more people in all walks of life.
Everest was just one step on my journey. Now I want to use that journey to inspire others to overcome their own Everest in life – because the biggest obstacle will always be ourselves.
Making a difference along the way is very important to me. So far I have fundraised over £85,000 for various charities, close to my heart for different reasons, adding more purpose to each challenge I take on.
I am currently supporting Young Minds UK the leading UK charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences, Young Minds campaigns, researches and influences policy and practice on mental health. They also provide expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through a Parents’ Helpline, online resources like the website ‘HeadMeds’, training and development, outreach work and publications.
YHA England & Wales is one of the top 50 UK charities with a diverse network of hostels. It has a clear mission to inspire all, especially young people, to broaden their horizons gaining knowledge and independence through new experiences of adventure and discovery.
PHASE Worldwide is a charity improving the lives of some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the world. Their main projects support inhabitants of remote Himalayan villages, with no access to basic services like healthcare and education. I have been involved with PHASE since 2015 following my involvement in the Nepal earthquake.
Other charities I’ve supported:
REACT Project (Red Endangered Animal Connection Trust)
In partnership with PHASE I organised the ‘Walk4Nepal’ fundraising walk on Snowdon, with over 120 people raising over £20,000 for the charity on the first anniversary of the Nepal earthquake. In 2017 we raised another £7,000 on Scafell Pike, England. Please join us in 2018 as we take on Ben Nevis, the highest peak of Scotland and the British Isles. Places available on the PHASE website>
My adventures would not be possible without the sponsors and supporters who share my mission to make a difference to others.
I am proud to represent the award-winning Westgrove Group, a bespoke security and facilities management firm, as their first-ever Young Ambassador. The Westgrove Group is an award winning national provider of bespoke dual service security solutions, specialising in high profile corporate offices, commercial premises, shopping centres and football stadia.
Huge thanks to my Everest sponsors and supporters for playing such a crucial part in my journey