Dawn Lawson, director of strategy and change, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, has raised over £1200 for EyUp! by completing the challenging circular Everest Base Camp trek at the end of Summer 2023.
The 15 day trek explores the heart of the Sherpa homeland, from Namche Bazaar to the Gokyo Valley, crossing the glaciated Cho La pass and onto the classic route to Everest Base Camp. This circuit is tougher than the classic Everest Base Camp trek as it involves a long, demanding crossing of the Cho La pass (17,780ft/5,420m), which is an extremely steep ascent and descent on rocky trails at high altitude, which can also be icy.
Dawn said “It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to give something back the folk of Yorkshire by raising money for EyUp!
“The journey was fascinating, albeit emotional and challenging at times, but I met some wonderful people along the way. The Sherpas are inspiring from their mental ability to their fitness, their commitment to keeping morale high and offering support whilst doing the trek is just inspirational.
“Whilst I was in Nepal I developed a relationship with the mental health organisation, KOSHISH, who work with people to offer person centred mental health and psychosocial support to the local community. Since coming back, I have kept in contact with KOSHISH and will continue to work with them.
“My journey doesn’t finish there, and I am looking to do another expedition in South America in 2025.”
