Have you heard about our hero Gary who treks Mt Everest for Shake It Up? Gary has been visiting Mt Everest year on year, including as a virtual challenge during the pandemic, all to raise funds for Parkinson’s Research.
This year, Gary hosted both a virtual trek – where anyone could walk the same distance as Everest from wherever they are in Australia – and a trip to Nepal to climb the real Everest Base Camp. He was joined by Tina Beard who has been fundraising with Gary for multiple years now.
Gary and his trekkers have raised over $25,000 for Parkinson’s research since he started trips to Everest for Shake It Up in 2016. And next year, you can be involved in his Everest adventures too – read on to find out more!
Tell us about your 2022 trip to Nepal? How did it feel to be back in the Himalayas?
The feeling of being able to travel and again explore and share the Himalayas with a fellow Australian in Tina Beard was amazing, after 2.5 years of training, hoping, doing virtual climbs and writing article for local papers, fundraising, it was so good to actually step foot onto the Singapore Airlines flight and get to Nepal.
We were met by my friend Mr Ram Thapa Maga from Nepal Spirit our in country coordinator. And it was just like old times,
We had a days rest to get over jet lag, and the following day we were on a small plane from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight is the smoothest flight ever. and the scenery is stunning. The next 8 days we steadily climbed to Mt Everest Base Camp at 5300m, and were able to fulfil 2.5 years of preparation. Very satisfying.
What was the highlight of the trip?
I think the highlight of the trip is actually standing at Mt Everest Base Camp, looking out over the village set up for the climbers and looking up at Mt Everest, Mt Nuptse and Mt Lhotse as well as the Khombu glacier.
The other highlight was seeing the look on Tina Beards face when she realised that she was actually there, after all this time.
How can people get involved in 2023?
We have three treks planned for April/May 2023, which anyone can get involved with.
I can be reached via email (trekreadyhimalayas@gmail.com), Instagram and Facebook.
Check the event on FB and reserve your place by contacting me.
