North Wales Grandfather Trekking Himalayas Raises £2,500 for Charity

A 70-year-old grandfather from Llanarmon-Yn-Ial, North Wales, has successfully completed an ambitious trek in the Himalayas, raising £2,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance. Over the course of eight days, John Swinburne trekked more than 50 miles to reach the base camp of Annapurna I, which stands as the world’s tenth highest mountain at an altitude of 4,130 metres. This solo challenge aimed to increase awareness and support for the lifesaving charity.

This trek marked John’s second journey to the Himalayas, having previously visited the region with his wife two years ago. This time, he undertook the challenge alone while carrying a keepsake: a drawing made by his two grandchildren, Maya, aged five, and Jonah, aged two.

Embracing the Challenge and Local Culture

Reflecting on his experience, John expressed satisfaction with his accomplishment, particularly at his age. He noted, “I enjoyed the challenge and loved it. I’m pleased to have done it, especially being able to do it at my age. I expected there to be lots of snow, but the weather was dry and hot, making the challenge exhausting.” Despite the warm conditions during the day, he encountered cold temperatures at higher altitudes, especially at night.

John wore a Wales Air Ambulance t-shirt throughout his trek, which drew interest from fellow hikers. He stated, “I do feel very proud to have completed the challenge and to have raised £2,500. Thank you to everyone who has donated to my fundraiser.”

During his journey, John immersed himself in the local culture by staying with families in Nepal during the Tihar festival of lights. He appreciated the hospitality of the locals, saying, “The families made me feel very welcome, and I enjoyed not just the challenge but the overall experience of meeting people and experiencing their culture. I want to go back to the area.”

Despite initially planning to read during his solo trek, John found himself too engaged with fellow trekkers to open his book, describing the trip as a “fantastic experience.”

A Legacy of Service and Fundraising

Having lived in North Wales for 35 years, John has a rich history of walking, climbing, and mountaineering both in the UK and abroad. His choice of charity stems from his background as a former mountain rescue team member in Snowdonia. He explained, “I was fortunate to work with helicopters. I understand them and respect their value. My background led me to the Wales Air Ambulance, due to the fact it is there for us all.”

John plans to share his journey in a public talk early next year, joined by Debra Sima, the Regional Fundraising Manager for North Wales at Wales Air Ambulance. Debra praised John’s determination, stating, “Congratulations to John on completing the epic challenge of solo trekking to Annapurna Base Camp. Despite the hot weather, it didn’t stop John from completing his fundraiser. He has raised an incredible amount of money and should be immensely proud of himself.”

The Wales Air Ambulance relies heavily on fundraising efforts to meet its annual target of £13 million, which is essential for maintaining its air and ground operations. Debra emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “Every pound raised for the charity really makes a difference and helps save lives across Wales. You’ve all played a part in saving lives across our country.”

For those interested in supporting John’s efforts, donations can still be made via his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/john-swinburne-1.