Haywards Heath NHS worker’s charity Everest trek to help international organisation

Charlie Robinson, 29, who works at Haywards Heath Health Centre as a dental service manager for Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, will risk sub-zero temperatures and altitudes of almost 6,000m during a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp.

He will be doing the trek in aid of COCO, an international organisation which helps children in East Africa.

Charlie, partner Joe, and their 17 friends now have only eight months to wait before they take an overnight flight from London to Kathmandu, the capital city of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, and starting point of their challenge.

From there, they will travel through Sherpa villages, past monasteries and over suspension bridges, resting each night at camps that offer none of the comforts of home, including proper washing facilities.

Charlie, Joe and their friends will continue walking until they arrive at their mountainous destination, the 5,645m-summit of Kala Patthar, where they should see some spectacular views of Everest and its famous snow-capped peak, some 3,200m higher.

Charlie, who has worked for the trust since 2014, said: “I knew I wanted to do something big and out of my comfort zone this year, and when this came up, I thought it was perfect.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous! It’s a massive challenge but I can’t wait. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Charlie, who lives in Slaugham, is not taking the physical challenge of his adventure lightly and is steeling himself to prepare in the most appropriate fashion with lots of walks.

He said: “Our training programme should be starting soon with walks at different times of the day – so we can adjust to changes in temperature and light – and during all weathers.

“Some of the walks will be a lot longer and there may even be some camping, all of which will help us prepare for the trip.”

All members of the group will comply with lockdown laws, including social distancing, during their training, with Charlie and Joe permitted to prepare together as one household.

The tens of thousands of pounds the group hopes to raise will fund projects which help children in East Africa receive a good education. To find out more, and to donate to the team’s fundraising page to help them with their efforts, visit https://coco.enthuse.com/pf/ksd-everest-base-camp