Quantum Conquers Everest with Paul Rhodes!
We are extremely honoured to have had the Quantum Flag at the top of the highest mountain in the world, thanks to Paul Rhodes from Lightning Electrical Installations Ltd who undertook one of the greatest treks known to man with his friend Haydn. Albeit a challenging feat, he pushed through with supporters, sponsors, and his reason for going, motivating him every step of the way.
We were fortunate enough to receive a personal account of the trek from Paul. It was so inspiring we couldn’t just keep it to ourselves.
1. What made you decide to undertake this trek?
“Both Haydn and I [Paul] have been supporting and hiking with Blackdog outdoors for a few years now after making friends with some of the leaders when we hiked Mt Kilimanjaro in 2019.
[Blackdogoutdoors] encourage people suffering with mental health issues, including anxiety to join outdoor groups, socialise, be active and gain more confidence.”
Blackdog Outdoors is an outdoor mental health advocacy group, managed by volunteers who share similar interests such as climbing, walking, paddle sports, biking, and love the great outdoors. They encourage outdoor activities with groups to improve your mental health and well-being.
“The outdoors is a great place to relax and get away from normal day to day troubles.”
2. How did you find the experience, were there any particular challenges you had to overcome, and what kept you going?
“The experience was amazing, from the very first day in Kathmando (a city that does not sleep), travelling on the most dangerous mountain road in Asia, flying into Lukla airport which is uphill and on the side of a mountain plus only 400m long.
To hiking through various towns on the mountain, crossing huge bridges across the valleys, avoiding Yaks, staying in Tea rooms … which are a luxury compared to the tents on Kilimanjaro!
And finally seeing Mt Everest, then reaching base camp.
There were 37 people in our group and sadly 7 were taken to hospital by helicopter, 5 before reaching basecamp and 2 after base camp. All suffering from AMS. They are all fit and well now thankfully.”
Acute mountain sickness is caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
“One of my most bizarre moments was in Namche Bazaar, which is a village 3440m above sea level. I went to a cash point and whilst there I meet Nims Purja (the first person to climb the 14 highest peaks in the world in 7 months) who he invited us to join him and two of his expeditions for a drink in the local Irish bar – It would have been rude to say no!!”
The toughest part of the whole experience was dealing with the lack of oxygen. As you pass around 2500m the altitude makes it hard to do the simplest of things and days are spent acclimatising so your body can handle going higher and higher.
You get out of breath bending down to do your laces up and need to take things a lot slower. As you get higher you become more and more exhausted, both physically and mentally. I had a headache for 4 days when above 4000m, but this soon cleared as we came back down the mountain.
The fact that so many people sponsored us to complete the challenge and the fact that I hate to fail made me push to complete it.”
3. How long was the whole trek?
“From leaving the UK and returning back, it took 18 days of which 12 days were spent hiking.”
4. How did you prepare before undertaking the climb up Everest?
“This was a challenge as the South of England doesn’t have any mountains so we travelled up to the Breacon Beacons, Snowdonia, Peak District and Lake District as much as we could and walked the hills /mountains.
Some walks were with Blackdog and some with friends we made from various walks and trips before. We also trained at the local gym on treadmills and leg machines but to be honest as long as you are reasonable fit and healthy, and have the determination, then you will be ok.”
We would like to express our thanks to Paul Rhodes for taking Quantum on this incredible journey with him, and sharing this inspiring story. We hope you are just as inspired as we are!
