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Topic: CF Himalyan Campaign
Replies: 4   Pages: 1   Last Post: 05-Dec-2006 15:29 by: appoussis

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Replies: 4   Pages: 1  
n.coombs@imperial.ac

Posts: 16
From: Berkshire
Registered: 27-Nov-2006
CF Himalyan Campaign
Posted: 27-Nov-2006 16:03
  Reply

I'm planning to climb a Himalyan peak in early 2008 and looking for team members sympathetic to the work of the CF Trust to join me. My CF connection is through my nephew who's now 10.

The aim of the challenge is to to support the work of the CF Trust in raising awareness about CF, funding vital medical research and increasing access to health care for people living with CF. We aim to raise awareness about the work of the CF Trust through the campaign as well, particularly in terms of increasing public awareness of the realities of growing up and living with CF.

If you think you could be up for a big himalayan challenge and if you care about the issues highlighted above register an expression of interest and contact details at - n.coombs@imperial.ac.uk

By the time of the expedition you'll need a good level of fitness and some mountaineering experience (built in to the campaign). At this point in time all you need is some interest in climbing a mountain. You can work on your fitness over the next 12 months (as i have!) so don't worry too much about that just yet - i can give further advice if you're interested.

The organisation leading the expedition is extremely good and has been chosen on the basis of it's expertise in mountain safety and success in summiting. Although the mountain we're doing is not one of the biggest in the world it is bigger than anything outside of the Himalayas and despite it's altitude is essentially a hiking peak - so no technical climbing involved. However, because of it's altitude and climate it will be tough and i think also very beautiful! We're talking approx 7,500 metres (4 times that of Ben Nevis).

You can help in lots of ways. Firstly you can join me. Secondly you can raise funds on behalf of the challenge and thirdly you could offer help at fundraising events. If you have any corporate contacts they're very useful too.

I'd like to get a list together of contacts who might be interested in taking part or around to help out. I'm based in the South East, but it's likely we'll treat this as a national campaign so don't be put off by location.

We're still in the very early stages of planning the campaign, but it's expected to grow in size and stature so please lend a hand if you can.

I'll be setting up a website early next year and will post details on this site, in the meantime do email me with your contact details and i'll forward further info. Even some feedback would be welcome to get an idea of what you think and any experiences of fundraising or contacts would be very welcome. Also if you have any contacts in the media that would help too.

Thanks for your support and hope to hear from you.

Natalie

theblonde

Posts: 35
Registered: 07-Nov-2006
Re: CF Himalyan Campaign
Posted: 27-Nov-2006 16:07
  Reply

hi, is what's required more stamina or climbing skill? i think my mum would be interestd but would get scared with actualy rock climbing type stuff.

also, what age range are you expecting? and how many do you hope for on your team?

good luck and thanks for your support to the trust. xxx

n.coombs@imperial.ac

Posts: 16
From: Berkshire
Registered: 27-Nov-2006
Re: CF Himalyan Campaign
Posted: 27-Nov-2006 22:41
  Reply

Hi

Thanks for your message. There is no age limit or technical climbing although i think if your mum's over 60 years that may be a problem for insurance reasons (but we can look in to that). As i said no technical climbing involved, however Alpine skills are required.

In order to deal with this team members will take part in a preparatory trip in the French Alps which includes an alpine skills training course and a hike to the summit of Mont Blanc - 9 days (ice axe, crampon use, avalanche awreness etc). All the skills for climbing this particular Himalayan peak.

The other thing to stress is that this is a tough challenge physically and psychologically. You need a good level of fitness and the motivation to reach the summit. The environment is very cold, you'll be moving at altitude on uncertain terrain and there are risks involved in mountaineering. However the expedition leaders are extremely experienced and skilled and safety wil always be the first priority. You don't have to be super fit right now, but you will need to develop your ftness over the next 12months or so.

If you'd like to find out more contact me at n.coombs@imperial.ac.uk and i'll send further info.

Thanks again for your reply. Hope your mum might be interested - we'd love to hear from her.

Best wishes

Natalie

n.coombs@imperial.ac

Posts: 16
From: Berkshire
Registered: 27-Nov-2006
Re: CF Himalyan Campaign
Posted: 27-Nov-2006 22:43
  Reply

forgot to say rhat team numbers are not yet confirmed. Maximum of 12 and yes stamina is the key issue

X

appoussis

Posts: 8
From: Cardiff
Registered: 10-Nov-2006
Re: CF Himalyan Campaign
Posted: 05-Dec-2006 15:29
  Reply

Natalie

I would like to put my name forward as a possible member of your team.

I have cf but am fit and as you already know am intent on doing the London Triathlon next year. Even if not considered for the team I would be interested in joining in or helping with training hikes etc.

If you fancy a chat email me and i'll give you my no. appoussis@yahoo.co.uk

Phil