EVEREST GIG POSTPONED . . . BUT THE SHOW WILL GO ON!
The very first Stand Up On Everest event has been postponed. Due to take place this September, organisers have made the decision to delay until September 2015, based on safety concerns stemming from the April avalanche, which killed 14 Sherpas. Unresolved politics between the Government and the Sherpa community in Kathmandu have led to numerous other events and expeditions being delayed and organisers are keen to make sure that Stand Up On Everest runs without a hitch . . . and, of course, with as much laughter as possible.
The expedition, which is now scheduled to leave London on the 22nd of September 2015, will see a team of six comedians scale the peaks of Everest to raise money for Save the Children, set a new Guinness World Record for the world’s highest stand-up comedy gig and raise a few laughs in the process.
Rhys Darby, Craig Campbell, Glenn Wool, Tommy Tiernan, Ardal O’Hanlon and a mystery special guest – accompanied by 50 thrill-seeking comedy fans – will now have one extra year to train for the nine-day adventure, which culminates in a stand-up comedy show on October 3rd at Everest Base Camp in Nepal . . . that’s a dizzy 5,365 m above sea level!
Each adrenaline-seeking, giggle-hungry participant will pledge to raise a minimum of £1000, with all money raised going directly to Save the Children projects worldwide, including Nepal.
The comic convoy will follow in the footsteps of world-famous adventurers, taking in the spectacular vistas of Everest, while providing much-needed laughter-therapy for fellow hikers.
Rhys said: “I’m very much looking forward to Everest. While the others are going over their material en route to base camp I shall be searching for signs of Yeti. Also I believe somewhere in the Himalayas is a secret doorway to another dimension. Yes, I expect I’ll be a very busy man on this expedition. Make sure I’m heavily guarded. I know too much.”
“Sometimes in life things land on your plate. I see Everest as a massive steak – it’ll be hard to chew but in the end I’ll be one of those guys that can say: “Hey I ate that massive steak, well at least the base of it. I’ll need a hell of a lot more sauce to go any further!”
Everest Base Camp is one of the world’s most thrilling but gruelling treks. Although comedy is at the heart of the journey, participants will be faced with immense challenges, from overwhelming tiredness, acclimatising to high altitudes and cool night temperatures as low as -10°C.
While weather conditions in the mountains are notoriously unpredictable and can change very quickly, the group will leave Kathmandu for the trek into the Nepalese Himalayas on September 22nd – the start of the dry season – so the participants will be hoping for clear skies to make the most of the incredible scenery en route.
“Whilst hard-core explorers such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Bear Grylls have famously gone on to conquer Mount Everest, just being able to reach Base Camp – which is three times the height of Ben Nevis and a good 500m higher than Mont Blanc – will be no mean feat. The team’s main challenge will be to avoid altitude sickness so the key thing for us will be to ascend gradually and try to stay focused on the end goal,” said Richard Kirtley, the Expedition Leader from Altitude Events International who has been brought in to lead the trek by the event organisers, The Aid Fundraiser.
Although Richard and his expert team are no strangers to world record-breaking events, having previously organised a Twenty20 game of cricket on Everest, one of their biggest challenges will be ensuring the comedians are able to find time within their busy touring schedules over the coming months to start the essential endurance training.
Tanya Steele, Director of Fundraising for Save the Children, added: “We are delighted that Stand Up On Everest has chosen to support Save the Children. We wish the team lots of luck as they bring a touch of humour to the Himalayas whilst highlighting the serious plight of children in Nepal and across the globe, inspiring the British public to help raise vital funds for Save the Children’s work worldwide. You could certainly say the sky’s the limit for the Stand Up on Everest team’s fundraising ambitions!”
With just over one year to go, there is plenty of time to get fighting fit for Everest – and plenty of time to sharpen your comedic wit too!
Places are being allocated on a first-come first-served basis for those keen to embark on this iconic trek and be part of entertainment history. To sign up to join the comedic mission or to sponsor those involved visit www.standuponeverest.co.uk.
– The trekking party will gather in Kathmandu on 22 September and the trip will end on 9 October 2015. The expedition is made up of a 9-day trek to Everest Base Camp followed by the comedy show on day 10 (3 October) and a 3-day trek back to on 8 October.
– The cost for the 16-day fundraising trek is £2,250 excluding flights and insurance plus a commitment to raise at least £1,000 sponsorship in aid of Save the Children. A deposit of £450 is required to book space on the trip.
– The trek is designed to be challenging for those of good health and fitness and is achievable for most people provided they train well in advance. All participants will receive a thorough training guide upon registration and will be invited to join a training weekend in early summer.
– Accommodation during the trip will consist of 13 nights in teahouses and 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu
– The event was the brainchild of The Aid Fundraiser who are organising all aspects of the challenge. The expedition will be led by Altitude Events International and assisted by a local support crew provided by Peace Nepal Treks.
– Full details on the event can be found on www.standuponeverest.co.uk. Follow the group’s progress on Facebook and Twitter.
About Save the Children:
– Save the Children works in more than 120 countries worldwide
– We save children’s lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential.
– For more information please visit www.savethechildren.org.uk.
