CandoFM

We all have things on our bucket list that seem out of our reach, but for a group of Cumbrian’s they just ticked off a big one.

Skydiving, travelling the world, completing a challenge or getting to trek to Everest Base Camp are just some of the things we all have on our bucket list. But St Mary’s Hospice has been able to make some of those dreams come true with the help of LMG Treks and Expeditions.
Setting off almost two weeks ago, a group of kind-hearted Cumbrians have trekked Everest while raising the flag for St Mary’s Hospice. Everest is more than just a mountain and we know the journey to its base camp is more than a trek.
Here at St Mary’s, we’re proud to have so many people support us in a myriad of different ways and one of these, that we just have to shout about, is Everest Base Camp.

A group of walkers set off on their journey and raised a tremendous amount of money for the hospice while taking in amazing views along the way. Without people like those on the trip, we wouldn’t be able to provide the care we do for our community.
The walkers are being guided by Matt Le Voi from LMG Treks and Expeditions. Matt has taken these walkers under his wing and guided them through the beautiful forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills to reach Everest Base Camp.

It’s been an emotional journey for those out walking and for their friends and family back home who are cheering them on every step of the way. Talking about the expedition, Matt said: “The trek to Everest Base Camp is rightly popular thanks to its amazing views, immersion into the local culture, and of course because of the physical challenge it offers.
“Over the last 11 days the team have trekked every day, whilst pitting their bodies against ever increasing altitude and other challenges such a trek poses. For some, this has been the toughest thing they’ve ever undertaken, but the level of satisfaction amongst the team for having visited the world-famous base camp at the foot of the tallest mountain in the world is through the roof.
“The team has one further day to trek before they can return to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, and shortly after, back home to share their amazing stories with their loved ones.”
St Mary’s Hospice only gets about one fifth of its funding from the Government meaning we rely on people like Matt and the group of walkers to raise funds to keep us going. To put this into perspective, this means that 8 out of 10 patients we see are cared for through funds raised in the community.
Events and Challenges Manager, Mel Dixon, said: “We’ve been caring for people around the Furness and South Lakes area for 35 years and we’re hoping to carry on for another 35 years and more. But without the help of people like Matt and all those in our community we wouldn’t be here today.
“I find it hard to put into words just how incredibly proud I am of each and every person who decided to join the Everest Base Camp trek. They’ve raised a phenomenal amount of money that will help us keep going.
“I’ve kept in close contact with the group while they’re out there and hearing the stories they have shared and what is means to them is enough to make anyone tear up.”