Thank you for supporting my incredible journey

Posted 5 years ago by Andreas Obermair

Firstly, I would like to let everyone know that I have returned in one piece from the Cherish Base Camp Trek to the Nepalese Himalayas and I am back into the swing of things. It was an incredible journey and I am so grateful to everyone for their words of encouragement, playlist suggestions and support.

Here is a link to a video, which summarises some highlights of the trek:

What was the trek about? 

Twelve volunteers (doctors, nurses, patients) pledged to raise $10,000 each, purchase their own equipment and cover their individual travel costs, and conquer the Everest Base Camp to raise funds for gynaecological cancer research. We have raised an incredible $166,000 so far.

Group one - Alex, Annette, Linda, Nikki & Roxanne - trekked in March.  My group, group two - Andy, Bronwen, James, Mary, Paula, Sharleen & myself - departed on 6 April.

How was it? 

It was amazing and I am eternally grateful that I was able to participate in this experience of a lifetime. It was both physically and mentally more challenging than I estimated. I was glad I had good equipment and was well prepared physically (thank you to Revive Ashgrove - Pilates & Physiotherapy specialists) and I remained healthy throughout the trek.

The challenge increased as the temperatures got colder (shower facilities and bedrooms are not heated) and the air got thinner. In return, the display that mother-nature offered was spectacular and breathtaking, even when we were caught in snowstorms. Be sure to check out the video above to get a glimpse of us in a snowstorm. 

Should you still wish to pitch in – and help us reach $170,000 – here is a link to donate.

THANK YOU -  to all donors and supporters!

I am proposing to Cherish that the money raised from the trek be used towards medical research grant applications that match the amounts dollar for dollar. From $170,000 we hope to make $400,000, which then will support vital gynaecological cancer research.