News Release

24th February 2009

IAN TO CONQUER EVEREST AND FEED THE CHILDREN TO BENEFIT

Ever since he was a youngster, 40-year-old IT support consultant, Ian Spalding from Lower Earley, has dreamed of conquering Everest. As he scales the world’s tallest mountain (29,029 feet) in mid May this year he also aims to raise much needed funds to help Feed The Children UK undertake its valuable work around the world.

Ian has been climbing since he was a child and over the last ten years he has seriously taken up his hobby conquering such summits as Gokyo Ri and Cho Oyu at 26,906 feet, the world’s sixth highest mountain – 2,123 feet lower than Everest.

“I have always wanted to reach the summit of Everest,” says Ian.  “Until now I have never had the chance.  Now I have got the time, I have saved last year’s holiday, this year’s holiday and I am taking some unpaid leave to go, I have got the ability and I took out an extra mortgage to realise my dream.  I am now set to prove something to myself!”

Whilst realising his dream, Ian chose to raise money for Feed The Children; he found out about the charity through his church.  “Children’s charities are close to people’s hearts,” says Ian.  “I have been to many third world countries and experienced the poverty they have to endure so I particularly chose Feed The Children because not only do they help children in this country, but they help children all around the world.”

Ian sets out for the Himalayas at the end of March and the team expect to reach the summit mid May, returning to the UK in June.  In all, the expedition will take two months and a week.  Ian has climbed with the team leader before but only met the rest of the expedition just before Christmas. One team member, Carlos, flew over from Brazil just for a weekend recently to attend the Everest meeting.

In addition to mountaineering, Ian regularly competes for his riding club, mainly eventing, and has been to the national finals a couple of times.

Ian will be raising funds through work colleagues, church and friends. If you would like to sponsor Ian you can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/ianspalding. 

Fancy doing your own extreme fundraising for Feed The Children UK?