The descent of Everest
by snowboard
Martin Downing

I feel very fortunate to be able say that I am doing very well so far, touch wood. I have been back at work since November and my health is continually improving. It is now one year post chemotherapy, so to mark this I am organising a charity sports event.

"The Descent of Everest by Snowboard!"

I couldn't get the backing to go to Nepal, so instead my task will be carried out in the Scottish Mountains, very soon, at the end of March.

The aim is to climb and descend by snowboard the equivalent height of Everest in one day.That's 29,035 feet or 8850 meters!

HOW?
It will take place in the Scottish mountains, at either Cairngorm or the Lecht ski centre. I will be using Ski tows - Pomas or T-bars for going up, (no cheating using the Funicular or Chair Lifts!), and will then be descending purely by snowboard power! It's going to be a tough challenge which will mean going almost non stop for around 8 hours!

I will be wearing Polar heart rate/altitude monitor which records total ascent and descent over time. So I will publish the proof on this site when all is completed!

While I am determined to achieve this in one day, if I fail, I will go back the next day to complete the challenge.

WHEN:
It will be carried out in just over a weeks time, between 22nd and 26th of March. (The date is not fixed as I aim to find a good day when the Pomas are running full speed).

The Charity - Friends of Anchor
Since my diagnosis for Burkitt's Leukaemia in December 2008, I vowed to myself that if I was well enough I would start raising money for Leukaemia. As I wrote a year ago in this Blog, I was particularly moved by the support of the charity "Friends of Anchor". It supports the Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy (ANCHOR). All money raised goes to good use as the Balmoral Group run the administration for free. I found their support help raise my spirits at times when I needed all the help I could get. In addition they also fund cancer research projects.

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