Jen battles the elements to conquer Everest for charity

A MEMBER of staff at a Melksham-based care company has completed her challenge to trek to Mount Everest Base Camp.

Autonomy Care Group’s Marketing Coordinator, Jen Latham, took on the challenge to raise money for Stepping Stones – a charity based in Trowbridge that supports pre-school children aged 0 to 5 years who have special needs; and so far she has raised over £4,200, smashing the original target of £3,000. 

“It’s hard for me to articulate where I’ve been this last month,” said Jen who proudly waved Autonomy Care Group’s flag when she reached Everest Base Camp on 1st May. “It all started with a leap of faith to board the notoriously dangerous mountain plane to Lukla, Nepal. From there the trek commenced and I was in awe of the blue pine forests, blinded by countless dust paths, tackled snow blizzards – alongside conquering my fear of heights on suspension bridges. With all the challenges of the trek, comes the highest reward! 

“There’s a reason the words ‘Base Camp’ mean so much, and if it was easy everyone would do it. It’s true that the people make an experience, rather than what you set out to see in the first place. I was blessed with my team of 11 others and of course the tour guides; all strangers to begin with and now friends for life.  

“We pushed each another when needed and we all made sure everyone made it to Base Camp safely. I feel truly humbled to have gone over our original target of £3,000 for Stepping Stones charity, and I would love to see how far we can go now I’m home and achieved what we set out to do!” 

With just a few days to go until the fundraising link ends (31st May) Jen is hoping to get as many donations in as possible, now her mammoth challenge to Everest has been a huge success. 

She added, “On the harder days ascending after hours of trekking, I just had the charity at the forefront of my mind to help me reach the next checkpoint. It was the most amazing experience and the biggest achievement of my life so far. When getting home and seeing the donations had reached £4,125 I was blown away. 

“Let’s keep stepping for Stepping Stones! 100% of donations will go to their new garden for the children to play and learn in for years to come. Thank you from everyone at Autonomy Care Group for their continued support.”

To donate to Stepping Stones and support Jen, visit the website: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/everestbasecamp/   

Money raised will go towards the pre-school’s garden project, which aims to update and upgrade their garden area that is now over 10 years old. Stepping Stones want to be able to improve the existing garden by making it a safe and stimulating outdoor play area for the children to access all year round.