15 Mar 2020 - Corona, Cancellation & Community

On Friday 13th (wonderful irony) it was confirmed that our Everest expedition this year would be cancelled as Nepal took the unprecedented step of cancelling the climbing season altogether. For a country whose economy is wholly dependent on tourism, this is a very big deal for Nepal.

Since then, either having seen the story in the news or on social media, a number of you have reached out with messages of support and commiserations, which have been hugely appreciated. Whilst it is disappointing, this is one of those things that just can't be helped and in the wider context of what is going on in the world with Covid-19, I have no right to complain. I have also been fortunate enough to defer my summit attempt to 2021 with limited financial loss compared to what could have been the loss of my life savings, so, again, I have a lot to be thankful for.

Whilst it will be mentally and physically tough to put myself through another year of training, that is exactly what I intend to do and with any luck, in 14 months' time I'll be standing on top of the world with a huge amount of thanks to all of you who have helped me along the way.

Finally, speaking of thanks, I also wanted to give a shout-out to Reebok CrossFit Reading, who were kind enough to put on two Everest-themed workouts today, to help raise awareness for IBD and my climb. This was planned as a little send-off for me that still went ahead despite the trip being cancelled and it's that kind of community spirit that reminds me of all that is good in the world, at a time when we need to look out for one another.

I'm sure there will be a number of posts over this coming year, but for now, Everest 2020 is over and out.

DB