In April 2024, a Sunshine group will return to Nepal, to trek to the world’s highest mountain base camp, Mt Everest Base Camp, at 5346m above sea level.
To add a new level of adventure to this, a part of that group will also attempt to summit Mt Labouche at 6119m.
Trek Ready Himalayas organiser Gary Mckitterick Gillett said they would be raising awareness and funds to help put an end to Parkinson’s Disease.
“Labouche is a village on the EBC trail, and so on our return from base camp, a few of us will venture up the mountain, camp in a tent at 5500m and then get up very early to trek the remaining 600m over a five-hour period,“ he said.
“This will be the highest I have ever been and likely as high as I will ever venture.“
Gary said their focus for the past two years has been on Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).
“Earlier in 2023, we took a young lady with YOPD to Mt Annapurna at 4110m, which she achieved, and was a terrific effort,“ he said.
“The end is in sight with advancements happening all the time, so we need to keep pushing and see an end to this terrible affliction.
“It is estimated that over 2000 people on the Sunshine Coast may have Parkinson’s Disease and 20 per cent of those have Young Onset Parkinson’s disease.
“It is someone we know, a family member, a friend, a colleague, or it could be you.“
Once again, they are supporting the Shake It Up Australia foundation, with the confidence that all funds raised go directly to research to find a cure.
Their group size is currently at 10 and will likely go to 15, with four of that group to attempt Mt Labouche.
“We have a weekly wellness walk on Mt Coolum every Tuesday at 5am which is free to join in,“ Gary said.
They have arranged a free Christmas walk at Mt Ngungun on Wednesday 22 November at 4.45pm, and various fundraising events around the Sunshine Coast which are soon to be announced.
For more information, visit trekreadyhimalayas.com
