Update (30 June 2026): 

I am absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible generosity shown so far. My original goal was to raise enough to cover the costs of my Everest Base Camp trek, with every penny raised above those costs being donated to Cancer Research UK. Thanks to your amazing support, we’ve now exceeded that target. I want to reassure everyone that I will only use the amount required to fund the expedition, and all remaining funds will be donated directly to Cancer Research UK. I will publish proof of the donation after I return from the trek. Thank you all for making such a huge difference.

Hi, my name is Rich, and in April 2027 I’m taking on one of the biggest personal challenges of my life: trekking to Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar sits at an altitude of approximately 5,500metres (18000 feet) above sea level. At that height, oxygen levels are around half of what they are at sea level, making even simple tasks physically demanding. The trek typically takes 12–14 days, involves daily hikes of 5–8 hours, and crosses remote mountain terrain with limited access to medical support.

This has been a long-held goal of mine — not just as a physical challenge, but as a chance to test myself mentally and physically in one of the most extreme environments on earth, while also doing something meaningful.

I will be self-funding the majority of this expedition. I am personally covering the costs of:

• Specialist gear and equipment
• Travel insurance 
• Helicopter evacuation cover
• Nepalese visas
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Medicines
• Training and preparation
  

The only part of the trip I am asking for support with is the trek package itself, which costs less than £1500. This covers essential logistics such as local guides, Sherpa, accommodation, permits, and support during the trek. I had originally the option of backing for this expedition, but due to circumstances outside of my control, this is no longer available.

The route to Everest Base Camp passes through the Khumbu region of Nepal, including suspension bridges over deep gorges, rugged Himalayan trails, and villages such as Namche Bazaar, the main acclimatisation hub for climbers and trekkers heading towards Everest. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and trekkers must carefully acclimatise to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Once I've covered the trek cost, every additional pound raised will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Cancer Research UK’s work is incredibly important. Cancer affects almost everyone in some way — through family, friends, colleagues, or personally — and the research they fund is vital in improving survival rates, developing new treatments, and increasing early diagnosis.

This GoFundMe is a personal fundraiser:

• a percentage raised will be used to cover the Nepalese trek cost only

• All remaining funds will be donated to Cancer Research UK and gift aid applied. 

I believe it’s important to be completely transparent, and I will share an update here once the donation to Cancer Research UK has been made, including confirmation of the amount donated.

The funds are being appropriated by a third party for full transparency. 

Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires months of preparation, physical conditioning, and commitment. Knowing that this effort will also contribute to cancer research gives the challenge a deeper purpose beyond the trek itself.

If you’re able to support — whether by donating, sharing this page, or offering encouragement — it genuinely means a great deal. Thank you for helping make both this challenge and the resulting donation possible.

If for any reason, (and given my friendship circle are such generous friends when it comes to my fundraising I don't see why  it won't) and I am unable to raise the required amount needed to confirm the trek and the expedition cannot go ahead, all donations will be fully refunded to donors via GoFundMe, less transaction fees. 

No funds will be retained or used for any other purpose, and refunds will be processed back to the original payment methods without question.