‘We want to raise as much money as possible’ - Devon men trek Himalayas for Westbank

Two Devon men are preparing to tackle a Himalayan mountain climb to raise money for Westbank Community Health and Care.
John Powell, Director of Unicare Devon, and Andy Green of One Touch Health will set off on Saturday 11 October for a trek to Everest Base Camp, continuing on to Island Peak, which stands at over 6,000 metres.

The pair are funding the trip themselves so that all donations go directly to Westbank, an Exminster-based charity supporting carers and promoting health and wellbeing across Devon.

Westbank currently provides support to around 34,000 unpaid adult carers through its Devon Carers service, alongside several thousand young carers under 18 through Devon Young Carers.

READ NEXT: Exeter floristry students and tutors celebrate national success

John said: “Unicare Devon is dedicated to supporting family carers in the Teignbridge area and that’s what has inspired us to take on this fundraiser for Westbank, a fantastic Exminster-based charity that does vital work across the whole of our county.”
“Westbank, a fantastic Exminster-based charity that does vital work across the whole of our country. Westbank’s Devon Carers service currently provides practical and emotional support to 34,000 unpaid adult carers, the people who quietly hold up our health and care systems by supporting their loved ones every day.”

Andy said the challenge will be a step up from his previous climbing experience. “This is only my second attempt at a full-scale mountain. The highest I have climbed before is only 4,200m on a pass three years ago before becoming unwell with altitude sickness. So, it will be quite a challenge for me,” he said. “However, the preparation I’ve done with an altitude simulator has been a great help and will hopefully get me to the top.”

The pair have been training for several months ahead of the expedition, which runs until 4 November. John added: “We’ve been training for months in preparation for this challenge and are funding the trip ourselves because we want to raise as much money as possible for our cause. We’re grateful to Classic Carers in Exminster who are kindly covering the cost of Andy’s kit hire for high altitude boots and crampons. We can’t wait to get our climb underway.”

They plan to take a Westbank flag with them to place at the summit of Island Peak.