North Wales grandad completes Himalayas challenge for charity
A grandad of two from North Wales has raised £2,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance after trekking more than 50 miles over eight days in the Himalayas.
John Swinburne, 70, from Llanarmon-Yn-Ial, a former mountain rescue team member in North Wales, took on the solo challenge to raise awareness and funds for the lifesaving charity.
John trekked to the base camp of Annapurna I, the world’s 10th highest mountain, reaching an altitude of 4,130 metres in the glacial basin known as The Sanctuary.
This was his second visit to the Himalayas after travelling there with his wife two years ago.
This time, he returned alone, carrying a picture made by his grandchildren Maya, aged five, and Jonah, two, as a keepsake.
John said: “I enjoyed the challenge and loved it. I’m pleased to have done it, especially being able to do it at my age. I expected there to be lots of snow, but the weather was dry and hot making the challenge exhausting. However, it was below zero and very cold towards the top, especially during the night. Fortunately, the altitude did not affect me at all.
“I wore my Wales Air Ambulance t-shirt during the trek, which attracted a lot of people who asked about the charity. I do feel very proud to have completed the challenge and to have raised £2,500. Thank you to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser.”
During the trip, John experienced the local culture by staying with families in Nepal during the Tihar festival of light.
He said: “The families made me feel very welcome and I enjoyed not just the challenge but the overall experience of meeting people and experiencing their culture. I want to go back to the area. I took a book with me because I was travelling alone, but I met so many people that I didn’t have a chance to open it. The whole trip was a fantastic experience.”
John has lived in North Wales for 35 years and has spent much of his life walking, climbing, and mountaineering in the UK and abroad.
Explaining his choice of charity, he said: “As a former mountain rescue team member in Snowdonia many years ago, I was fortunate to work with helicopters. I understand them and respect their value. My background led me to the Wales Air Ambulance, due to the fact it is there for us all.”
John will share his story in a public talk in the new year, joined by Wales Air Ambulance’s Regional Fundraising Manager for North Wales, Debra Sima.
Debra said: “Congratulations to John on completing the epic challenge of solo trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Despite the hot weather it didn’t stop John from completing his fundraiser.
“Through John’s previous work and as a motorcyclist he knows how important the Wales Air Ambulance is for the people of Wales. We are so grateful to be the beneficiary of this huge trek. He has raised an incredible amount of money and should be immensely proud of himself.
“Wales Air Ambulance relies on the generosity of our fundraisers to raise the £13 million every year to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported John throughout his challenge. Every pound raised for the Charity really makes a difference and helps save lives across Wales. You’ve all played a part in saving lives across our country.”
Donations to John’s fundraiser can still be made via his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/john-swinburne-1
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