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STOP PRESS - 23 April - After battling with the effects of high altitude, low oxygen and sleep deprivation, David has taken the difficult decision to return to base camp. Read about his experiences in his latest blog at http://www.bllaw.co.uk//taking_on_everest_blog/the_end_of_the_road.aspx
STOP PRESS - David is now on his way and will be keeping in touch - when he can - via his blog which you can access at http://www.http://www.bllaw.co.uk/taking_on_everest_blog.aspx
On 3 April, I am setting off on an amazing expedition with my guide, Kenton Cool, to climb the world's highest mountain – Everest. Kenton, who is just 36 years, has already summitted Everest seven times so I will be in the best of hands. I have a few years on Kenton (I'm 64), but I have been training hard and take with me the experiences of climbing Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and the Eiger (also with Kenton), all in the last five years.
So, I am hoping I can do this…but won't know until I get there and face the trials of climbing at high altitude. We will arrive in Katmandu and then trek to base camp where we will spend several weeks acclimatising and waiting for a weather window. When we decide to go for the summit, it will then take at least six days on the mountain to complete the climb. The summit day starts at 10 pm from camp 4 in the "death zone" and, with good fortune, should last 15 hours; the last stretch to the summit is relatively short but Kenton says it feels like "the longest walk in the world". I hope I will get the chance to find out for myself.
I am delighted to be supported in this venture by Blake Lapthorn, the law firm where I have been a partner since the merger of Sherwin Oliver with Blake Lapthorn in 2001. In the past, Blake Lapthorn has supported many organisations and individuals to help fulfil their aims and personal challenges, including Geoff Holt, the first quadriplegic to sail solo around Great Britain in 2007. This time it's me and the firm is sharing in my aim whilst at the same time helping to raise funds for The Prince's Trust. This charity is the UK's leading youth charity. It helps over 100 young people a week, giving financial and practical support with employment, education and training. In the current economic climate, the work of the Trust becomes even more critical. We welcome any donations to support their great work.
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