The bar has been well and truly raised, originally I had set my sights on £2500, this was going to be too easy, then £3000, again too easy, with donations coming in regularly, and with the 'big hitters', and plenty of friends and family still waiting to donate I have set myself a target of £5 000. I know this is a huge target, but with your help, and my persistence (!), we will get there.
Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
This challenge is an attempt to do something that has never been done before, to play an official match of cricket at an altitude of 5,164m, approximately 17,000 vertical feet on the lead up to Mount Everest. By doing this "The Everest Test 2009" will set a new world record for the highest official team game ever to be played, as recognised by The Guinness Book of Records.
On the 21st April 2009 Team Hillary and Team Tenzing will compete in a Twenty 20 cricket match on the Gorak Shep Plateau overcoming difficulties such as altitude and weather. Logistically the challenge is immense with the organisation of all the kit, players, medical team and officials making this mentally and physically demanding to all involved. The people embarking on the expedition are all volunteers who have full time jobs in the UK, and share a common passion for making the expedition happen, whilst raising in excess of £250 000 for charity.
With the support of businesses, fundraising groups and individuals the The Everest Test 2009 will make a major difference to thousands of lives around the globe through the generosity of those giving.
All the money that you donate will go directly to The Lords Taverners and The UK Himalayan Trust (set up by Sir Edmund Hilary to support the local Himalayan people). Every member of the expedition has paid all the costs involved, including flights, transfers, hiking costs, equipment. None of the money donated will go towards the cost of the expedition.
To date I have already completed the Nike 10km, Gyro 10km and the Cardiff Half Marathon, all in full cricket gear. The grim challenge, running through frozen lakes in Surrey, not to mention the hundreds of miles running, rowing and cycling in the pursuit of fitness. I will also be doing the Merrel Mudman, The Merrel Iceman, The Bath Half Marathon (in pads), and 2 weekends in Dartmoor and The Brecon Beacons respectively, all in time for the expedition in April.
Please give generously, I appreciate that this is a difficult time for some, but your contributions are invaluable.
To see my progress please go to:
http://cricketontopoftheworld.blogspot.com/
David.
