Everest 2003: Himalayan Guides 2003 Everest Expedition
Featuring reports from Ian Mackay

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©Ian Mackay with Everest and Nuptse in the background

In support of the Royal hospital For sick children, Edinburgh (ward 4) and The Children’s hospice Association Scotland

Dear Friend,

       This year (29th May 2003) marks the 50th anniversary of Hilary and Tensing’s first ascent of Mount Everest. Trying to climb Everest has been a dream of mine for most of my life. In an attempt to live that dream I have joined an international expedition with the intention of reaching the summit by the south east Ridge during May 2003. The expedition leader is Henry Todd from Dundee. Henry has led 5 successful expeditions to Everest in the past 8 years. I have climbed with him in Scotland, Tibet, Nepal and Argentina.

        To date only 59 British climbers have reached the summit since the first ascent and the climb is still regarded as one of the supreme physical and mental challenges. Less than 1 in 25 of those who attempt the mountain succeed first time, so the odds are very much against me. Fortunately death rates have fallen during the past decade with 15 fatalities in 1996 decreasing to 9 in1997 with 4 in 1998 and 4 in 1999 (I don’t have figures for the last three years). Success is very much weather dependant with some years having no summiteers at all and a few having more than 100.

        I would like my effort to result in some benefit to worthy causes, so I would be very grateful if you would consider sponsoring the two Children’s charities above. Ward 4 in The Sick Children’s Hospital treats children with leukaemia. The treatment is generally long term and funds go to providing the children with comforts and activities during their extended treatment. The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland has just obtained planning consent for its second children’s hospice in Scotland and funds are urgently required to enable this project to go ahead. Every penny donated will go direct to these causes without any deductions of any kind for expenses.

        Everest is 29,035ft high; base camp is about 17,800ft, thus the climb from base camp to the summit is just over 11,000 ft. The amount of any donation will be measured by each 1000ft climbed above base camp plus a bonus amount if the summit is reached. If you donate £1 for every 1000 feet your maximum donation would be £11 plus any summit bonus. Even if I don’t reach the summit, the route from base camp to camp 4 (the South Col) is very challenging. From base camp to camp 1 involves climbing 2000ft over the notorious Khumbu Icefall and the route from camp 2 to camp 4 involves a climb of 3000ft up the Lhotse Face (a sheer ice wall). If I only reach camp 4 (at 26,200ft) a donation of £1 for every 1000 ft would total about £8.

         I leave for Nepal on 23^rd March and all being well I hope to be back at the beginning of June. Please click here to give.

Best Regards, Ian Mackay QC.