Danny White’s Everest Base Camp Trek for Demelza
Danny White, one of our site managers, has completed a 16-day trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal in aid of Demelza. Danny set off in September and has now successfully made it to Base Camp.
Danny is a keen athlete and put in the hard work to prepare, including lots of long walks with his family and their dogs. Watkins has a long history of supporting employees in their fundraising endeavours, and the company contributed to Danny’s fundraising efforts to help make an even greater impact for this fantastic cause.
Why Demelza
Demelza is a Kent-based children’s charity that provides vital care and support to children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families.
In June, Helen Harris visited the hospice in Sittingbourne, where Emily Lofts, Senior Events Executive, kindly gave her a tour of the wonderful facilities that support the many families Demelza helps across Kent, East Sussex and Southeast London. It was clear to see why Danny is so passionate about supporting Demelza and committing to such a gruelling task.
Quiz night for Demelza
On Friday 14 August, colleagues came together for a quiz night in aid of Demelza, with a raffle on the night. The evening raised around £2,200 and helped Danny get a lot closer to the £5,500 target set by Demelza to complete the challenge.
Danny thanked everyone who attended the quiz, donated raffle prizes, bought tickets or gave to his JustGiving page.
“I am extremely grateful and overwhelmed by all the support shown from everyone at Watkins.”
Danny White, thanking everyone who took part
On the trail
Danny set off for Nepal in September to begin the 16-day trek. Here are a few photos from along the way.
Made it to Base Camp
Danny has now joined the around 60,000 people who make the trek each year, although a significantly smaller number attempt to climb the mountain. Maybe next year’s challenge for Danny.
A few facts about the place he has just been:
- Everest has different names. In Nepal it is known as Sagarmatha, while Chomolungma/Qomolangma is the Tibetan name. The mountain sits on the Nepal-China border.
- The whole region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sagarmatha National Park was established in 1976 and was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1979.
- The park is home to extraordinary wildlife. Despite the harsh environment, you can find snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, musk deer and Himalayan wolves.
- Base Camp isn’t a permanent town. It is a staging area for climbing expeditions, and its appearance changes with the climbing season. The South Base Camp is associated with the Khumbu Glacier and the route towards the Khumbu Icefall.
- Base Camp is higher than many famous mountains. At 5,364m, you’re already higher than Mont Blanc (4,806m) and only a little below Mount Elbrus (5,642m).
Thank you
To everyone who has contributed towards Danny’s trek and raised money for Demelza, thank you. It’s a huge achievement for Danny, who has put so much effort into training and fundraising, and Watkins is proud to have supported him on his mission.
Danny’s JustGiving page currently stands at £4,565 towards the £5,500 target, and donations are still open. If you would like to give, you can do so on Danny’s JustGiving page.
