Our design manager Keeley Fox and her husband Rob are swapping the Shropshire hills for the Himalayas later this year to raise funds for two causes close to their hearts.
Keeley and Rob, an inpatient specialist physiotherapist at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowen, will head to the famous mountain range in May to trek to Everest Base Camp, where Rob will then take part in the Everest Marathon – dubbed the world’s highest marathon.
The Everest Marathon celebrates the historical ascent on Mt. Everest by Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953
They are raising money for the RJAH’s Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service and Mind UK.
The Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service supports those who have served with the UK military, including National Service, and treats arthritic lower limb problems, especially those requiring hip and knee replacements.
As well as Rob working at the hospital, Pave Aways has a long association with the RJAH, carrying out several building projects there and supporting its fundraising activities.
Mind UK was chosen for its work helping people with mental health problems and campaigns to improve mental health services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Keeley said: “We fly out to Nepal on May 14 and then trek for 10 days along the classic Everest Base Camp route, which includes flying into the famous Himalayan airport Lukkla. This walk is a feat in itself!
“But for Rob, that is just the start. On May 29, he will take part in the Everest Marathon, running 26.2miles back to Namche Bazaar across the sherpa trails of Khumbu valley. It’s all at high altitude so an immense physical and mental challenge.”
Keeley added: “Mind and The Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service are two fantastic services we feel very passionate about.
“A number of friends have suffered from mental health problems over the years and hopefully by taking on this challenge we can highlight and support their work.
“Rob has worked and supported the veterans’ service over the last few years at RJAH and has seen the fantastic service first hand. We’d really appreciate as much support as possible for two brilliant causes.”
To sponsor Keeley and Rob in aid of the veterans’ service, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robertkeeleyfox. To sponsor them in aid of Mind UK, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobertKeeleyFox.