John Pearson, OH 2016-23 left Hymers College two years ago to continue his studies at the University of Glasgow As part of a university group called Choose a Challenge, he is now attempting to raise money, via several fundraisers and challenges throughout the year, to go to Everest base camp in September 2025.  The trip works alongside Amnesty International, with half of all money raised goes to the charity. 

In September, I and a group of people from the University of Glasgow will be embarking on a trek to Mount Everest base camp, if we hit out fundraising target of £3,000 each.

On the trek we will travel 18,000 feet above sea level over an 11-day trek, through the most breathtaking parts of the Himalayas and we will watch the sunrise over Everest.  The trek will be a tough mental and physical challenge.  I have been doing some training to help fundraise and get ready for the expedition.

During October 2024, my friend, Jamie and I, did 40 days of fitness challenges.  We took part in a wide variety of sporting challenges, taking advantage of the wide array of sport clubs at the university.  During the challenge we ran, swam, cycled and hiked and took part in many university sports such as boxing, squash football and rugby.  We ended the challenge by running a half marathon (something we both would never have been able to do before the 40 days).

As well as doing the fitness for fundraising, we ran a successful charity pub quiz, which over 60 people attended.  Prior to the event, we reached out to local businesses, who generously gave us vouchers and free food to give out as prizes and we raised over £400.

John and Jamie at their charity pub quiz

During the upcoming term we are planning a charity darts night where we are trying to get different universities to compete in a darts tournament at the Glasgow student union.  As well as this, we are planning a charity football tournament and have many other events in the pipeline.

Good luck, John, with your fundraising.