Cornish Woman Takes on Everest: Can She Conquer the Challenge?

A Cornwall woman is preparing for the challenge of a lifetime as she sets out to scale the heights of Mount Everest to raise money for charity.

Tracy Hampson, Operations Director for the learning disability charity Hft, is gearing up for an 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp in October. The 61-year-old from Connor Downs will be joined by her long-time friend Jacquie Cotterill and Hft colleague Ian Earey, who is Head of Care and Support for the East region.

Together, they are aiming to raise £15,000 for Hft, which supports adults with learning disabilities across England and Wales.

A Reluctant Walker Takes on the World’s Highest Mountain

Despite her adventurous nature, Tracy admits that trekking is not her strong suit.

“This is a real challenge for me,” she said. “I don’t even own a pair of hiking boots. I do get out and about on the beach with the dog, but walking is not something I enjoy as a pastime.”

Determined to succeed, she has appointed a personal trainer and is focusing on strength-based training, as well as improving her diet and endurance.

“I am nervous, but am determined to work really hard to ensure I am fit enough to take on this challenge of a lifetime,” Tracy said. “It’s going to take a lot of stamina to complete the journey up Everest, especially when you are trekking so many hours a day and may be starting to feel tired. But I am going to push myself through to get to the top.”

An Adventurous Spirit

This isn’t Tracy’s first time taking on an extreme challenge. A self-confessed adrenaline junkie, she has already completed a parachute jump for Greenpeace, raising £2,000.

“I do like a challenge and I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie,” she said. “I’ve done white water rafting, zorbing, quad biking and coasteering and am not afraid to push myself out of my comfort zone.”

Climbing for a Cause

Tracy says her motivation comes from the incredible work she sees at Hft every day.

“The work we do as a charity every day to help learning disabled people live their lives their way is all the motivation I need to keep me going,” she said.

Their journey will begin in Kathmandu, before taking them through breathtaking gorges, across suspension bridges, and past the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The challenge will be led by experienced guides.

“Doing this challenge with one of my close friends and a work colleague will be the experience of a lifetime and all for an incredible cause.”

Supporting the Team

Hft’s Community Fundraising Manager, Emma Macdonald, praised the team’s efforts.

“We’re delighted that Ian, Tracy and Jacquie will be walking in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain as they trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp. We can’t thank them enough for all their efforts which will make a huge difference to the lives of learning disabled adults.”

Anyone wishing to support Tracy’s challenge can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/page/teamhfteverestbasecampchallenge.