Everest Base Camp & Island Peak Challenge. The Highs and Lows of the Himalayas. Weekend diary update. 

Saturday 18 October
A tough night, oxygen levels are at 81%, making for a restless sleep. Every breath feels like work up here, but spirits are still strong.

Sunday 19 Oct 
So far, so good. It’s hard going, but we’re pushing on. The plan: reach Everest Base Camp by Tuesday, then onward to Island Peak.

John’s update: “It’s been tough to sleep, the altitude and rock-hard beds don’t help! We’ll refresh ourselves this morning with cold water (no hot water here!) and head out for an acclimatisation day. All for Westbank Community Health and Care. We’ll keep going!”

The acclimatisation walk was stunning. Clear skies, crisp air, and breathtaking views of Island Peak. Rob, John, and Andy took it slow and steady, pacing themselves carefully.At 4770m, every step is a test of endurance; so steep and even breathing becomes a challenge. But what a backdrop to be doing it in.

Monday Morning
Today has brought heartbreak. Andy began showing signs of High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), swelling on the brain caused by altitude. He’s now receiving hospital care and will be airlifted out either later today or tomorrow.It’s devastating, after two years of planning, training, and preparation, the whole team is gutted. But safety comes first.

Rob and John will carry on the climb for Andy and for Westbank, adjusting plans as the weather rolls in.

This journey is proving tougher than imagined, physically and emotionally, but the mission remains: to raise funds and awareness for the incredible work of Westbank Community Health and Care. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far, we really do appreciate it.

Support John Powell, Andrew Green and Team's Himalayan Adventure for Westbank Community Health and Care

John Powell and the team are heading to the Himalayas to take on an epic challenge: hiking to Everest Base Camp and continuing on to climb Island Peak, a serious adventure at over 6,000m!

This incredible journey wouldn’t be possible without the support of Unicare Devon, a dedicated team providing domiciliary care across Teignbridge. The Unicare team have a deep passion for supporting family carers, and it’s that same passion that has inspired them to use this adventure to raise funds for Westbank, a fantastic Exeter-based charity doing vital work across Devon.

Why Westbank?

Westbank delivers a wide range of health and wellbeing services across Devon. Through their Devon Carers initiative, they provide practical and emotional support to thousands of unpaid carers, the people who quietly hold up our health and care systems by supporting their loved ones every day.

A bit more about Westbank:

Westbank Community Heath and Care was Founded in 1986. Since then, we have supported thousands of people of all ages across Devon with many aspects of their health and wellbeing, both physical and mental. We offer a diverse range of services to combat loneliness and social isolation and support people in developing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle, providing the safety net between the NHS and the social services provision. Our vision is for everyone to be living fulfilled, healthier, happier lives for longer.
We believe this is a cause worth backing.

Every Penny Goes to Westbank

The entire trip is being funded privately – so every single penny you donate will go straight to Westbank to support communities across Devon.
Joining John on this ambitious expedition is Andrew Green from One Touch, a software provider supporting social care teams. Together, they’ll be sharing updates in the lead-up to the trip and documenting the highs and lows of their Himalayan journey.

Follow their story, share the page, and most importantly, if you can, please donate to support the work of Westbank.

Thank you so much for your support.

Leanne Chidgey