This year, on 20 July 2019, Sir Edmund Hillary would have turned 100. To mark Sir Ed’s centenary year, over 200 participants have signed up to take on the Himalayan Trust Summit Challenge to raise funds for Nepal, still one of the poorest countries in the world.

Hasely Lobb from New Plymouth helped develop the idea for the challenge.

“Last year, I hiked and biked trails around Mount Taranaki and even climbed flights of steps in New Plymouth to reach 8848m. I had a fantastic time doing it and got a lot out of it – it certainly gets you fit!” said Lobb.

“All the money we raise will make a huge difference to communities in the Everest region of Nepal – and help keep Sir Ed’s dream alive.”

John Loof, General Manager of the Himalayan Trust, said: “The Summit Challenge can be done anywhere, anytime in March. So far, we have teams and individuals signing up from right across New Zealand and we have people running, walking, and biking it.

“To Sir Ed, his greatest achievement was not climbing to the summit of Everest but his help for the people of Nepal. The challenge will raise funds for life-changing education and healthcare projects in the Everest region of Nepal.

“Last year the event raised over $55,000, but we hope it will be even bigger and better this year as a fitting celebration for the centenary of New Zealand’s greatest adventurer.”

To find out more and to take up the Himalayan Trust Summit Challenge visit summitchallenge.org

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