UPDATE: We made it! Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicsandie

UPDATE: Follow us on our trek http://nicandbrendan.blogspot.com

 

For those that know Brendan and I you will know that we have done a few ‘crazy’ expeditions in the last few years, 120 mile overnight bike rides, 14 days trekking through the Swiss Alps but this one is definitely going to top them all. We decided early on to help motivate us and to also help out a good local cause that we would sponsor a local charity, Step Forward (www.stepforward-web.org). They do great work with children and young people in Tower Hamlets affected by poverty and disadvantage by providing free services including advice, counselling, family support and personal development activities. Their aim is to raise expectations, develop independent living skills and help young people to reach their full potential. We will be keeping them updated on every step of the trek through regular email updates and photos.

Please dig deep and give as much as you can afford, it’s for a great, local worthwhile cause… note that this is a self funded trip and every penny raised here will go to Step Forward.

About the trek:

We fly to Kathmandu on the 8th April '11 to begin the Everest Transverse (Three Passes) Trek. It is regarded as one of the most challenging and difficult treks in the world, we’ll be walking at least 7 hours a day for 17 days carrying all our own kit including camping gear as there is a real chance accommodation might not be accessible at times. Walking in high altitude is more physically demanding and the trek will take us through some of the world's most famous high altitude passes such as Kongma La (5,535/18,159 ft.), Cho La (5420m/17,782 ft) and Renjo La (5,340m/17,520 ft) as well as the Nepalese Everest Base Camp (5360m/17,590 ft).

We have a few weeks of hard training.. cycling, running, climbing to get us into shape to face this hostile and unsympathetic environment.

A bit about us:

Brendan has worked for Tower Hamlets council for nine years and is responsible for supporting young persons who find themselves excluded from education. Through his work with alienated young people and families, Brendan has been able to access direct support from the counsellors and personal advisers at the Step Forward Office. “It’s always been helpful to know I can refer vulnerable young people onto Step Forward and feel re-assured that I’m leaving the young person in safe hands”.

Nic has worked for Tower Hamlets for nine years on and off and is responsible for managing two databases to support early intervention work with young people. “I do not work in front line but have heard of Step Forward and the good work they do. It seemed appropriate to support a local charity where we know the money will be used wisely”.