With the aim to ‘measurably improve the well-being of children following natural and other disasters’, the Indian Ocean Disaster Relief (IODR) is delighted that experienced mountaineer, Bob Bhania, has chosen IODR as the charity beneficiary for his 2016 treks and expeditions.
Earlier this year, Bob became the first British mountaineer to summit Everest since before the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015, which killed 8,000 people in its wake and injured more than 21,000. The earthquake also triggered an avalanche on Everest which killed 21 people, marking 25th April 2015 as the deadliest day on the mountain in history; something which was in the forefront of Bob’s mind and those of his supporters as he approached this mammoth journey.
Bob completed his incredible achievement at 7am on Friday 20th May, when he reached 29,035 ft. atop the world’s highest mountain - a challenge first conquered by Edmund Hillary, who stood on the Summit in 1953 on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. 63 years later, during Her Majesty’s 90th year, Bob was able to wish the Queen a happy birthday from the very same spot.
Carrying a weight of 50kg and accompanied only by his Sherpa, Nima Kannchha, Bob’s gruelling month-long journey raised vital funds for IODR’s ongoing intervention projects in Nepal. But his fundraising efforts don’t end there, as Bob is already preparing for his next adventure, which begins with him climbing Mount Elbrus in September, then onto Carstensz Pyramid, Mount Aconcagua and Mount Vinson, culminating in an 800 mile trek to reach the South Pole later this year on New Year’s Eve.
IODR will be encouraging Bob every step of the way and would be delighted for you to support, donate and follow his journey to keep him motivated. You can leave your messages for Bob on Twitter @IODR_UK and donate online at www.iodr.co.uk - we’ll be sure to keep him updated with news of your kind support throughout his upcoming expeditions.
If Bob’s story inspires you, why not support IODR with your own fundraising efforts, either individually or by getting together with others at home or in the workplace. Activities to raise money could include cake sales, quizzes and karaoke nights, or you could follow in Bob’s footsteps and undergo a personal challenge such as running a marathon or embarking on a trek yourself!
However you decide to help, every penny raised will go towards one of IODR’s initiatives to protect and sustain lives following natural disasters.
To support IODR initiatives, to donate or to find out more, visit www.iodr.co.uk
