During 2016 I had the immense pleasure of visiting Kathmandu - Nepal through Round Table, it was a significant experience in my life and in a year as National President of the UK. It truly opened my eyes to the magnificent views of the country along with the amazing people who are warm and so welcoming, many have become life long friends today.
Just after the earthquake ravaged through the region and destroyed so much infrastructure, through the power of Round Table International the “All4NEPAL” appeal was created by the the International President Jason Thomson, which supported the rebuilding of educational centers and schools in the most remote areas.
I have always had a real interest in the history of Everest due to the many endeavors of those extraordinary people who have pushed their bodies to the extreme, but more than that the real stories of real people who support those who complete their adventures being the indigenous people of Nepal, especially the Sherpas.
Growing up in Wales, you are instilled with a real passion for life that can only be described as driven & focused, along with a fire in the belly we are also brought up with a real respect for the magnificent countryside. During my mid twenties I had the views of the Brecon Beacons from my bedroom window and in the winter -5 was the average early morning temperature. Many times during the summer I would walk through amazing countryside and witness the views whilst trekking over the Beacons.
Over the last twelve months like many, a few pounds have been added to the waistline and for many it has been a challenge to get fit through the Covid19 pandemic restrictions.
During the past year I have had the privilege to support many with an amazing online project called 41ClubConnects. The digital project reaches out to thousands of men of all ages around the UK and world wide, we connected those who wanted fellowship through lockdown.
There is no doubt in my mind the programme has made a difference to men over the age of 40’s. Guys who have been stuck at home and benefited, especially from a wellbeing and fellowship prospective.
However, that led me to do more and create something unique, an opportunity for a small group of guys who needed a little motivation and a real focus.
This time last year I was sitting with Mark Wood Explorer & Adventurer at a dinner celebrating the amazing work of the Atlantic Mavericks who had just sailed the Atlantic ocean as a group of six in a small boat. Truly extraordinary guys in their 50s. Mark and I spoke about his plans over the next few years which included a tour back to Nepal. We talked intently about his adventures and Nepal and it gave me an idea.
Take a group of guys to the most extreme place on earth, along the way make memories and create experiences for life.
Then the first Covid19 lockdown happened March 23rd, I remember is so well, no one really new at the time what it meant. Most of us thought it would be a few weeks, twelve months later how wrong we were. Mark agreed to support me in April with an online event that helped people deal with loneliness and wellbeing. The audience was guys all over 40, little did he realise the impact he would make and has to so many.
Lockdown after lockdown carried on, resilience was the word in everything we used but you could see come Christmas many started to become worm out from it, Captain Sir Tom Moore kept us going along with the warm words of The Queen.
During the time over December, I quietly spoke with ten guys who I believed would be up for the challenge and great company on a Base Camp Everest Trek, that these guys would support the vision once it was shared. Once confirmed we had our very first zoom call in January and for the very first time many of these guys met, virtually of course. It was an amazing sight to witness, excitement and a few nervous faces, Mark Wood did his bit on the trek. Since then and through the power of zoom and WhatsApp the guys have bonded, working out a plan and the how they want to support others as a by product of what we are doing.
It was really on, deposits paid, medical forms signed and we were in the event of a life time!
Behind the scenes, more conversations are going on that will lead to our very own website for the trek launching in two weeks time www.doingextraordinarythings.co.uk, we have decided to support the amazing work of The Frank Bruno Foundation & Dementia UK, plus supporting the local schools in Nepal with tech equipment.
Over the next six months we are all training hard so we can all handle the 5376 meter altitude climb and 106 mile walk over 16 days in October from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp. We are all in our 50’s and just a bunch of ordinary guys trying to do something extraordinary for others. With a drive and passion to make a difference for these amazing groups, we are walking many miles in preparation. Some have more to do than others in the fitness levels (me!). However I feel a huge responsibility to these guys, bringing them together and motivating them to come outside their comfort zones.
I have asked the guys to keep a journal of the next six months and the aim is that we share the information via blogs, zooms and other meetings. We are also planning a dinner with Frank Bruno to share the foundations work and raise the funds required for the charities. whilst we are on our trek to Everest we are also planning online calls with schools in the UK and with business leaders. I want the guys to have a life long experience from this event, its not just a trek, it making a difference and it will be their story to tell.
My first long walk is under the belt but I have a serious amount of work to do fitness and mobility wise, my motivation comes from those around me, the guys and those who believe in what we are doing.
“Crazy” is what a few of my friends say, you will never do it!
2014 some believed I would never finish the London Marathon, so in 2016 I did it again - just to prove its your mind set and it can be done - twice!
You can imagine what some are saying on Everest Base Camp, well, try telling the ten guys I have wound up, motivated and encouraged to do so - there is no stopping them.
Trek to Everest Base Camp
We are all getting older, going over 50 means on average 33% of your life is left based on averaging, now some could look at this and say it morbid, I say its fact.
Have a journey in life to remember, go above and beyond, most of all leave a mark on those who will follow.
If you can support the guys and I please feel to share this and other posts, come to our charity dinner or simply make a donation no matter how small.
MD or company owner who can support with IT equipment to schools, please get in contact to discuss further.
One thing I do know, Ordinary Guys Can Do Extraordinary Things!
With a little help from their friends.
Your in Friendship.
Marcus Jones
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DoingExtraordinaryThings
www.doingextraordinarythings.co.uk