Wife's cancer battles inspire Keith ex-army man's Everest Base Camp trek, raising £2600 for Keith Cancer Link
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A KEITH ex-army man's Everest Base Camp trek, inspired by his wife's two cancer battles, has raised £2600 for a local cancer charity.
Before beginning his 155 mile expedition, Stephen Wiltshire journeyed from Keith to Kathmandu before flying to Lukla airport in the Himalayas – the most dangerous airport in the world.
Setting off in aid of Keith Cancer Link with brother Kyle and Nepalese guide Chandra Tamang Sherpa, Stephen's 16-day route would take him over the Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La passes.
Stephen had wanted to do the trip for years and originally planned to do it alongside his wife Jacquie.
He said: "At some point, a few years ago, me and my wife Jacquie said we wanted to do it together.
"But unfortunately, Jacquie has had two bouts of cancer and successful cancer treatments.
"Because of that we knew that physically, she probably wouldn't be able to make it."
During her two cancer treatments, Jacquie had to make tiring journeys to Aberdeen and back each day for radiotherapy sessions.
Keith Cancer Link took the stress out of these journeys by picking her up every day, taking her to treatment and bringing her home.
Stephen said: "The care Jacquie got from Keith Cancer Link was amazing when she needed treatment.
"We live in a system now where, unfortunately, we are all connected by cancer.
"We all know somebody who has been affected and the simple thing of having someone pick you up at your door, take you there and drop you home again is one less thing to worry about.
"All I can do is shout the names of Keith Cancer Link and their chairwoman Adeline Reid from the rooftops.
"They run a fantastic service and long may it continue."
Stephen began his fundraising drive only six weeks before leaving for Nepal and originally aimed to raise only £500.
Due to incredible support from the local community, however, his JustGiving page raised over five times that amount and netted £2600 for the charity.
As Stephen self-funded the trip, all the money raised will go to Keith Cancer Link.
He said: "I have been absolutely blown away by the amount of money raised.
"I am just really pleased that my trip managed to raise some money for a really really good charity.
"And if people like me achieve a lifetime ambition and raise a few thousand quid in the process, that will do it for me."
One of Stephen's highlights of the trip was an impromptu summit of 5643 meter Kala Patthar.
While his brother was recovering from a brush with altitude sickness, Stephen and his guide decided to tackle the nearby peak from which he had his best view of Everest.
He said: "The oxygen at that point was about 25% what it is at sea level.
"Every little step needs about three good breaths to make your legs function.
"But the clouds completely cleared on the way up to the summit and he and I were the only two there.
"We watched Everest, Nuptse and Chola for probably about 40 minutes in blistering sunshine with no clouds.
"It was ultimately rewarding and absolutely beautiful."
Reacting to Stephen's achievement, Adeline Reid, chairwoman and secretary of Keith Cancer Link said: "Stephen's adventure and fundraiser for Keith Cancer Link is beyond words.
"It was so adventurous and brave of him to undertake such a challenge.
"With his army experience he was well equipped with stamina and bravery to cope with the experience.
"Keith Cancer Link is very grateful and cannot thank him enough. We are still reeling with amazement.
"The amount will enable us to fulfil our aims and objectives and provide a door-to-door taxi service for hospital appointments for people who have cancer and cancer related illnesses in the Keith and district areas registered with the Keith Health Centre Practice.
"We are very fortunate with donations – the general public always go beyond expectations with donations and they appreciate our service."
Stephen's Himalayan journey, in the end, was everything he wanted it to be.
Describing the scenery from the last portion of the adventure, he said: "As you come to the tip of the Khumbu Glacier everything around you – on your right, left and in front of you – are 8000 meter peaks.
"It is the strangest feeling in the world because they are just so, so awe-inspiring.
"You walk through a very tall snow and rock-covered corridor, with jagged rock either side of you, and you feel extremely extremely small."
