Raised so far: £1,145.00
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My story

 

On September 4th 2008 I will be joining an expedition to climb Cho Oyu, which at 8,201m (approx 27,000 feet) is the worlds 6th highest mountain.  The purpose of the expedition is twofold:-

i) to achieve a personal ambition

ii) to raise significant funds for Richard House Childrens Hospice

For further details on Richard House please visit  www.richardhouse.org.uk  The charity will not be funding any of the cost of the expedition, all funds raised through this website will go to charity.

Please give all the help you can in raising funds for a very worthy cause.  I will also be organising a number of training and fundraising events over the coming months - all of which I will encourage you to join me on.  Further details to follow.

THE CHALLENGE: CHO OYU

The challenges that I will face on the expedition are immense, including exposure to the most extreme weather conditions on the planet, altitude related conditions, avalanches as well as the obvious technical and physical demands of climbing a mountain that is over 8 times the size of England's highest summit.

Chances of success are low, not many people have the physical capability to climb so high, particularly without the aid of supplementary oxygen.  The physiological problem of climbing at altitude is that the amount of oxygen in the air decreases linearly with ascent and is roughly one third at the summit of Cho Oyu.  It is important to appreciate that the partial pressure of oxygen at the summit of Cho Oyu is very close to the limits at which humans can survive at all, even for a short time.  Symptoms of high altitude sickness range from headaches, vomiting and insomnia to mental blackouts and cerebral edemas.

Deterioration becomes increasingly apparent above 7000m.  The feeling of tioredness increases and more importantly, appetite falls; even foods that were popular at lower altitudes appear tasteless and unpaletable.  Weight loss is profound and lethargy sets in, adding to the difficulties of cooking, which usually takes hours even in ideal circumstances.  Sleep becomes intermittent due to the lack of oxygen, the cold is felt more even in the warmest of sleeping bags.  Climbing even an easy slope becomes a painstaking, breathless achievement.  Finally in the "death zone" above 7,600m no human body can acclimatise.  Staying for longer than necessary will result in deterioration of bodily functions, loss of consciousness and ultimately, death.

Once underway, regular dispatches tracking the progress of the expedition will be listed on the following site  http://www.fieldtouring.com/dispatches/cho_oyu_2008.php


Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Richard House Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Stupendous achievement. Well done. Donation by Joe and Marie 19/10/08  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Well done Justin on such a huge accomplishment we are very impressed, great that you are raising money for such a good cause too. Enjoy those beers. Donation by Sue and Jules 10/10/08  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Congratulations & well done for staying alive! Many beers await you in Clapham Donation by Alex & Richard 06/10/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Congratulations on your tremendous achievement Donation by Pete and Rita 06/10/08  

£30.00

Look forward to seeing the photos! Donation by Dennis and Margaret 03/10/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

All the best geez! See you on your return Donation by Steve Livingston 03/10/08  

£35.00 + £9.87 Gift Aid

All the best Justin! A beer (or two) will be awaiting you on your return! Donation by Chris Rae 01/10/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

looking handsome for once Donation by moody c 19/09/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by BB 29/08/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Just take the ski lift! Donation by Val 24/06/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Best of luck just - in ...you mentalist! Donation by Boobs 16/05/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Moody.. you are totally nuts to do this (but I guess you knew that)... I wish you the best of luck with it.... and it's for a great cause too. Donation by Vickie 04/05/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck chief! May the force be with you! Donation by Ireland 04/05/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Moo Donation by Mr & Mrs Moods 17/04/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

This makes my trek around Kathmandu rather poor in comparison....good luck - compare notes when you get back!x Donation by Lilly 17/04/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Dont forget to enjoy the view ... Donation by Yanling 10/04/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

All the best chopper Donation by Iain 05/04/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Your an absolute nutter...... Donation by Kirsten 02/04/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

good luck Donation by steve heath 27/03/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Testicles!! Donation by Moodbuster 26/03/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Best of luck. I am very jealous. Donation by Adrian Campbell 26/03/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Amazing plans, all the best. Donation by Rus 26/03/08  

£50.00

Come back alive x Donation by Emma D 25/03/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Get those bermuda shorts dusted off Donation by BJR 20/03/08  

£150.00 + £42.31 Gift Aid

Nice one fella, I will donate more if I don't get invited on any training weekends ;-) It will be a Donation by Edward 20/03/08  

£150.00 + £42.31 Gift Aid

You will love it goat, hope all goes well and you get to the top. You are a true ibex xxx Donation by KT 20/03/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £1,145.00
  Offline donations: £0.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £300.38

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