On top of the world: Lee conquers Everest’s base camp
Huge congratulations to Lee O’Neill at Gateway Facilities Management for his plucky trek to reach the base camp at Everest. All to support a good cause.
It was the hardest physical task ex-Army soldier, Lee, had undertaken. Throughout the nine days up to Everest’s base camp and back down again, Lee suffered from extreme altitude sickness. Although Lee came close to quitting on a few occasions, he dug deep and made it.
The trip started more comfortably in late September, taking a 10-day, scenic trek to majestic Everest. Highlights included crossing the high pass, Cho La (home of the Sherpa people), with stunning views of the Himalayas. This is one of the steepest and toughest climbs, with guides often advising trekkers to never look back! Another highlight was the pizza Lee ate when arriving back in the area’s main town of Lukla after the trek.
The adventure ended with a final exploit, a race down the mountainside to take a helicopter out of the clouds to Katmandu for the flight home. Lee is focusing his next bunch of physical endurance tests more locally, including the infamous ‘Nuclear Races’, a tough, muddy obstacle course near Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker. Lee’s Everest trek raised funds to support a charity close to a Gateway colleague’s heart. Well done, Lee.
