Trek to Everest base camp for Stirling councillor following double hip replacement
Climbing to Everest Base Camp is a 'different level of crazy' says a Stirling councillor — who is about to do just that...after a double hip replacement.
Rosemary Fraser admits she may have 'bitten off' more than she can chew with her latest challenge.
But she will be spurred on at the thought of raising funds for charity.
The SNP councillor for Forth and Endrick ward is taking part in the Tenzing-Hillary Base Camp Marathon on May 29, hoping to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice and for a Dunblane community project.
'I have been an avid supporter of Strathcarron for many years, as I appreciate the reach that the charity has across the Stirling area and understand what a wonderful service it offers people who are at their most vulnerable, as well as the tremendous support it offers to their families and friends.
'Back in the 90s a very close family friend spent her last few weeks in Strathcarron and the staff were outstanding.
'At all times ensuring that our friend was comfortable and in what felt as homely a setting as possible while providing the intense medical care that was necessary.
'Around 10 years ago another good friend was in for a period of time until his family could organise to have him back home for his last few weeks. Again the care was sensitive and calm, providing a safe place for him to be until he could go home.
'So many people have been touched by Strathcarron support over the years and it is such a valuable service that I wanted to see if I could raise a bit of money to go towards it's running costs while on my trip to Nepal.'
In addition, having run Weigh Ahead, a community interest company, comprising of a sustainable refill shop and an artists and makers outlet in Dunblane for the last six years, Rosemary is also fundraising for Nepal Evergreen, via The Juniper Trust.
The trust raises funds towards planting native species to encourage greater biodiversity in the region in which she will be trekking.
'As the Weigh Ahead shops are now owned for the benefit of the community and with the environment being part of our social purpose this seemed like an appropriate charity to raise funds for,' said Rosemary.
She left on her travels this week with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Rosemary will trek, via Goyka Ri at 17,988 feet, to Everest Base Camp, 17,598 feet and then run/walk the Tenzing-Hillary Base Camp Marathon on May 29.
'I'm excited about all aspects of the trip. Experiencing a vastly different culture, the heat of Kathmandu and its hectic and bustling city; the nail biting flight to Lukla Airport, renowned for being one of the most dangerous airports on earth; being lucky enough to trek through picturesque scenery with Everest and the Himalayas as a stunning backdrop; meeting the Nepalese people living in the hills and gaining some insight into their culture.
'There's also the food; finding out if my body can cope with the thinning air as the altitude increases; wondering if my two bionic hips will manage to cope with the varied landscape on race day, meeting my fellow adventurers and hearing their stories and learning about where they are from; staying in the teahouses and lodges enroute.
'Also, having the experience of sleeping at base camp where so many intrepid climbers have slept before venturing up the mountain — and being thoughtful of those who didn't make it down; and having time away from my normal reality.
'There is also a fair amount of trepidation as to whether I've bitten off more than I can chew with this one.
'I have run 10 marathons and two Ultras, but none since my double hip replacement — and this is a different level of crazy.
'I plan to walk most of the uneven and stony sections and run where the path is smoother.
'I had looked at the map of the race and it looked largely downhill — but when I read the smallprint, just last week, realised that there is around 3000 metres of ascent as well as 4900 metres of descent to be done to complete the race.
'That's three full Munros' uphill and five downhill...'
In 2013 Rosemary completed the Artemis Quadrathlon at Loch Tay where she climbed seven Munros in one day, as well as swimming over Loch Tay, a seven mile kayak and cycled 34 miles round the loch.
In November 2023 she also trekked for some days in the Moroccan Sahara and then climbed Mount Toubkal at 4167 meters (13,671 feet).
'Recently as a training expedition I climbed five Munros at Lochnagar, walking 19 miles and taking 10 hours — so I've done a bit of this type of thing before, but not at nearly 18,000 feet where the air contains only 75 per cent of normal oxygen.
'Will this 57 year old body cope? We will find out soon...'
●To donate to Rosemary's effort visit: www.justgiving.com/team/topoftheworld?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL
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