Everest Success For City Director

Andrew braved the treacherous conditions to finally reach base camp on Day 10 of his challenge - a monumental effort that proved to be a huge test both mentally and physically. 

The incredible feat was all in the name of charity, and with Andrew's fundraising already at well over £6,000, he's now within touching distance of his initial goal of £10,000. So to help Andrew in making a difference to the lives of local people, head to  and donate now!

Despite having previously scaled Kilimanjaro for the Harley Staples Fund in 2010 as well as previous attempts to conquer the Three Peaks Challenge for the LCFC Foxes Foundation back in 2012, this latest effort was Andrew’s toughest test yet. 

At a daunting 5,300 metres, Everest Base Camp stands at close to the same height as Kilimanjaro, and with Andrew set to finally return to home soil on Wednesday, it is hoped that the fundraising target can be reached.

Andrew has been sending through regular updates of his trip, so for first-hand account of just how tough the challenge was and what got him through it, read his account below...

Day Three: “First day of climb. Just three hours today. Fairly comfortable although I think I have a problem with a bunion.

“Haven't kept leather on my boots supple enough. Protected it as much as I could and will probably wear trainers tomorrow and buy some other footwear after day four. Right calf also an issue and taking advice from Dave Rennie (Head Physio). What would we do without him?!”

Day Four: “Had a really bad night. Panicky. Couldn't sleep or breathe well. Cold (slept in what was basically a garden shed!!!!). Worried about today.

“Thought what the hell am I doing here. Wanted to come home. Missing family, friends, my dogs and didn't seem right to be away during the season. Seemed to be a long time before I get home. I thought about Ken Way (Club Psychologist) then and what he would say.

“I refocused then though and thought more positively, and about why I'm doing this. Slept okay then and felt okay when I got up. Of the few qualities I've got, determination, stubbornness (as my family will tell you) and competitiveness are amongst them. And... I've made it through the day.

“Really tough day climbing 800 metres. At 12,000 feet now and happy with myself. Have a problem with my right calf, left hamstring, knees and back but tomorrow is an acclimatisation day so I can hopefully recharge my batteries.

"Thanks to Dave Rennie for his advice and medical supplies, Macca and Rob for kitting me out, and Gary for the energy foods!

“Please sponsor me and help others.”

All the costs involved with the challenge will be paid by Andrew himself, ensuring as much money as possible can go towards helping the LCFC Foxes Foundation’s five nominated charities for 2013/14.

Day Seven: “Slept well although it's starting to get seriously cold now, and my altitude tablets irritate my bladder enough to get me out of my sleeping bag a few times a night. Thank goodness for that by the way, which I cocoon myself in! Woke up this morning to a sunny day and a clear view out of my bedroom window of Everest!

“Started out on packed ice today which was pretty tricky and more than one member of our party fell, and one got pushed over by a yak.

“I found this morning hard and started to hit the "wall". My toe is now painful but tolerable as I packed it well today. Also my right knee isn't good but I can cope with that. I also think I can cope with the cold, but fatigue, and general wear and tear on my feet is a concern to me. Anyway, enough of my woes, I've made it through today with the afternoon session not lasting as long as we expected which was a relief.

“Again there were spectacular views on our walk, although the sight of a broken suspension bridge didn't fill us with confidence! We saw very large vultures (no doubt waiting for me to fall!!) and real yak trains (the long haired yaks).

“Breathing is now more difficult as the air gets thinner, and consequently we are now walking really slowly, particularly on the steep climbs.

“There are 16 in our party and I'm the only Englishman, but we are bonding fairly well as obviously we are living in each other's pockets and sharing the same problems.

“The accommodation in comparison with my last climb is very good. Although it is obviously basic, and some of the toilets are a bit "exciting", there is a communal area with a stove, and you always get a pillow and sometimes a duvet too.

“Food is also pretty good. You always get a choice and whilst it's not going to win Masterchef, it does the job and you just eat it because you have little choice. Having said that, my appetite is not as good now, which is normal when you get higher, and I've learned not to order as much as I did two or three days ago as I'm just not eating it.

“I must stink now too because, whilst you have basic washing amenities, it's difficult to keep yourself as clean as you would like. I imagine my breath isn't the best either. So, nothing new there then!!! And I don't know the last time I had a shave.

“So, at the end of week one, I've had some ups and downs, but the old man is still going, but taking one day at a time!”

Day Eight: “Slept well. Only three visits to the hole in the ground!!! Woke up to ice on the "inside" of the bedroom window. It's cold but bearable at the moment. It was minus 12 here last week so we're lucky to be sleeping in about minus 4 or 5.

“Today was another acclimatisation day as we climbed (steeply!!!!) to 4800 metres. The group is getting a bit stretched now and not everyone completed today. I try to walk alone (unsociable sod that I am) as I can concentrate on what I'm trying to do. I also try to position myself in the middle of the group.

“My walking poles have been essential in the last few days, taking pressure off my knees and big toe. However, coming down today I realized just how difficult it is going to be on the descent if we achieve our aim. As they say, what goes up must come down and I'm starting to be concerned about how my right knee and feet/toes will cope. Can't worry about that now though.

“We have the comparative luxury of proper bottled water here which saves all the faffing about with sterilising tablets.

“So we have an afternoon off now as we're spending the night in the same place before we move on tomorrow. An afternoon nap and some work on 2013/14 budgets is the order of the day now I think!!”

Day Nine: “Slept really well. Woke up with my phone saying low battery 20% which was annoying, as I always keep it in my sleeping bag so it doesn't freeze.

“Today we climbed to 4,900 metres and it was a tough ascent. There was no obvious place to stop so we trekked for about five hours with only a coffee break. It was about as much as I could do. And on the way it reminded me about my phone battery because that is about where I am at the moment. 20% left!!!!

“My feet, the cold, and everything else is just about manageable at the moment, but sheer fatigue is not really something I can control and there's only so much one can do with raw determination.

“So, tomorrow is ‘the day’, and I'll either achieve my goal or fail. I'm not stupid (although many will disagree) and if it's too much for me I'll say so, but I don't embrace failure well, and it'll only be in exceptional circumstances that I shall turn back.

“We walked through a Nepalese graveyard halfway through today and many trekkers both local and international were buried there. It made me walk a bit quicker!!! Seriously though, we are walking so, so slowly now because of the lack of oxygen and fatigue that we thought how funny we'd look if we walked at that pace back home.

“Talking of back home, that is a big driver for me now, as I know I will be in Doha halfway home this time next week. Being away from home for a relatively long period, and having a lot of time to contemplate things teaches you a lot about what is important and what is not. I am desperately keen to get back to my home now, back into my normal routine, see my family, friends and my dogs again, AND HAVE A HOT BATH!!!

“I feel so sorry for whoever sits next to me on Qatar Airways, although I'll do my best to get cleaned up best I can before the first flight. So, I doubt you will get this email for a day or so because we are out of range of anything at the moment, but I'm preparing the best I can for an eight hour trek (or shorter if I fail) tomorrow. Wish me luck!”

Day 10: “And so the big day arrived! There was a lot of nervous excitement/apprehension within the group last night. I got thumped by the guides at rummy, and then I showed some of our party how to play our family's card game of pig!

“We knew we had to be up by 5am so it was an early night. I was desperate to sleep well, but the day started badly for me. I just couldn't get to sleep, and then my stomach started doing somersaults, culminating in me getting very little sleep at all, and when I did wake up I was feverish. I think it may have been some yak cheese I ate (schoolboy error as you're meant to avoid dairy products!). I was thinking I can't believe this, I've got to the penultimate day and now I'm going to be ill.

“Fortunately I managed to sleep from about 2am until 5am and then came down for breakfast. And had no appetite! I forced as much as I could down me, but still felt nauseous. Poor preparation for a tough day.

“And so we set out at 6am in the freezing cold as the sun rose. After about 30 minutes none of us could feel our hands, and then our water supply froze. I was annoyed with myself about that as the same thing happened to me when I summited Kilimanjaro, AND I had packed my insulation pipe so only had myself to blame.

“We trekked for three hours to our first stop which is where we were coming back to tonight. I had some hot soup for energy and held my water supply against my body to defrost it, successfully! We then set out at about 9am on the final stage. Whilst we could see the yellow tents at base camp quite early, the terrain was very difficult which made progress slow. By now though I think I knew I was going to make it and just pressed on.

“We got some great shots of Everest as we got closer. We also witnessed both small rock falls and small avalanches. Yak trains also hindered our progress although they were welcome too as they gave us a breather. And then, finally, we were there!!!

“Most of our group arrived at about the same time. A few handshakes, hugs and sighs of relief, and then it was into photo time. I managed to get one or two photos, one with an LCFC flag. But the wind was bitterly cold there so we didn't stay long. And then we began the trek back. As I said earlier, the terrain was difficult and I was starting to struggle now. You only have about 50% oxygen at this level and I was starting to pant like a dog on a hot day. I think (if my calculations are correct) that we are over three miles above sea level. The downhill bits I could manage but the uphill were a massive struggle. I could easily have laid my head on a rock and gone to sleep. But I knew I had to go on.

“I don't know how I made it back because I was at a snail's pace for the last hour. I nearly collapsed through the door and was completely exhausted. They say the body has reserves but I was out on my feet. I couldn't talk or do anything for about fifteen minutes and just sat and panted.

“The guides got me a hot drink and food and very slowly I started to feel a bit better. I then sent a few texts and went to bed for an hour. My room-mate had then mistakenly shut the latch to our bedroom door, and I couldn't get out. And I needed a wee, badly!!! So, after looking unsuccessfully for some kind of receptacle, I had no choice but to jump from the window. It was about five feet fortunately! Never a dull moment for me on this trip!!!

“So, I've done what I came for, and I feel satisfied about that, and hope that more people have sponsored me since I've been away. What the cost will be I don't know yet. My toe is now quite manageable, but my right knee is clanking a bit and I think will be troublesome on the descent.

“I also have mountain cough now but I think that should go when we get to lower levels. All I can think about now is getting home, but I know that what goes up has to come down, and it will take us four to five days to do so. I just hope those days pass quickly and event free. I really miss my family, friends, dogs and normal way of life and am looking forward to landing at Heathrow next Wednesday night.

“Communication has obviously been very difficult up here and it's really frustrating when you get a text and try to answer it only to lose signal. My daily record of events has also been typed each day but I've not always had internet access.

“A case in point was when my son Jordan texted me to say 1-0 to Yeovil. That was a dampener for me yesterday and it was only this morning I found out we drew and kept in tact their marvelous record. Best wishes to them for Burnley and Wigan although I think I will be out of contact for both those games.”

Day 11: “After our "big" day everyone was very tired last night so it was 8pm to bed! Unfortunately not many of us were able to sleep. Despite how tired you might feel, trying to sleep at 5,100 metres is not easy.

“My nose is full of "gunk", so I have to breathe through my mouth, and  I still have a mountain cough. Eventually I got about five hours sleep. There was an optional trip up to 5,800 metres today to get views of Everest at sunrise. Even had I wanted to join the five or six who went up, my body is now running on empty, and the red light is showing!

“So, we headed out at about 8am today and, after a steep climb out of our village, it was a steady descent. In fact I was thinking this is exactly the type of day I needed after yesterday. Six hours trekking and a 1,000 metres descent. And then, bang! My left foot slipped off a rock and I "rocked" my ankle. Sharp pain!

“I knew I had done some damage, but I also guessed it wasn't that bad. I carried on to our coffee stop when the guides brought out some iced water for me (well it was just water as you don't need to add ice up here!). That controlled the swelling and I was able to trek on about 30 minutes behind the main group. I might be wrong but I think I can cope with it as long as I keep my left foot flat. That's a bit easier said than done when you are descending and on uneven terrain, but I'm using my poles and putting any major pressure on my right foot.

“Tomorrow is our last really big trekking day as we descend another 400 metres and walk for eight hours (both up and down). So if I can get through that then I think I'm home and hosed.

“My ankle was the only real event from today so I spent much of the day reflecting on the trip so far. The locals - what a tough life they lead! There are many more village communities up here than I imagined. And they work so hard. Makes us look like real softies. The porters walk past us with items such as full baskets of potatoes, tables, metal pipes etc, all strapped to their backs, using their heads to take the main load via taping round their load.

“They walk past us with poor footwear regularly carrying loads of 125kg+, as the more they carry the more they get paid. The accommodation - in general it's been OK. Usually there is a communal room with a central stove (which works some of the time!), and the twin rooms are wooden, cold, and sometimes have a toilet.

“I suppose you could liken them to a poor man's Swiss mountain chalet (not that I've ever been in one of them to be any sort of expert!). The toilets - well, what can you expect at this altitude! I'm not proud and I can deal with most of what confronts me in this regard, but I couldn't handle the one, which I walked into this morning!

“The scenery - one word, breathtaking!!! In fact you get a bit blasé to your surroundings walking through enormous white peaks every day. You forget that Everest is not the only big mountain here. There are many of the tallest mountains in the world. My body - bearing in mind I didn't prepare well (it's difficult to make time for much during a season) and I was often thinking "fail to prepare and prepare to fail", I think my body has held up reasonably well.

“Yes I've had issues - toe, knee, ankle etc. but everyone is bound to have problems with this type of challenge. I touched my head this morning to find a big lump and scab on it. I think I cracked my head on the door frame walking to the toilet without my head torch one night!

“My stomach has also held up remarkably well considering everything which has been put into it!!!! Our group - my biggest fear was being with a group of fit youngsters, but although there are some (who now call me Dad!), there are also some people my age. Of the sixteen there are three couples, two cousins, two friends, and then six of us travelling independently who have been paired up.

“I'm with a young Australian who is senior cabin crew for an airline. I'm the only Englishman in the group although the two cousins are Scottish and Irish. In fact I don't think I've seen or heard a single Englishman since I've been in Nepal!!! The trekkers are predominantly Australian, but I've Americans and Europeans too.

“The weather - extremes is the best way I can describe it. You can start out early morning and not feel your hands, and then the sun comes up and you feel too hot in your clothes and have to strip off a few layers! And then you can easily get burnt during the day!!! And then the sun goes down and if you aren't prepared for it you can easily get very cold very quickly.

“My sleeping bag - an absolute essential. No matter how cold it is, I can bury myself in there and feel fine, apart from my big nose sticking out the top to avoid claustrophobia! Lips - lip balm is another essential.

“My lips are cracked but would be much worse with constantly applying balm. Water - you can get bottled water right up to our highest tea house, so that's a big advantage versus having to treat boiled water.

“Food - you lose your appetite the higher you get which is probably a help as the food standard drops the higher you get too!!!! To be fair though the food has been OK. You always get a choice and it caters for all palates.

“Transport - well I haven't seen a motorised vehicle since 20 March!! The only form of transport is a yak or a horse. You do see quite a lot of helicopters as they are taking supplies to base camp, picking up the injured or unwell, and unfortunately on some occasions the dead. As I've said before, I just love the yaks! Such gentle, hard working creatures.

“Clothing - layers, layers, layers! Macca and Rob kitted me out well and apart from my hands and face I've never been cold. In fact I bought a thick duvet style coat a few years ago, and it's in my holdall, but I've only used it once! On summit day for Kilimanjaro four years ago. Coat for sale!!!

“The guides and porters - lovely people and we've bonded with them well, although we think five guides to sixteen people is too few, and I've got lost on at least two occasions. So, we now get ready for a big day tomorrow. Four of us have a little concern about our internal flights back to Kathmandu on Tuesday as any delay through weather at that dodgy airfield will mean we will miss our connections home on Wednesday. Best park that concern for a few days eh!  

Day 12: "As we hadn't slept well the night before, everyone went to their rooms early last night. And most people had a really good sleep - I did! Amazing what 1,000 metres extra oxygen can do for you!

“I immediately checked my left ankle against my right one when I woke up, and it was a bit puffy, but not painful. I therefore decided to do nothing with it, as I was worried that any dressing would rub during the downward trek. We had been told this would be our toughest day since base camp, and we weren't disappointed!!!!

“We were up at 6am and started trekking at 7am. Whilst we are obviously descending every day now, we had been told today would include both steep climbs as well as descents (on difficult terrain).

“Unfortunately my cough had worsened overnight and developed into Khumbu cough, which is a deep cough and quite painful. I hope that will go before I get home! We trekked for about four hours until lunchtime at 11.30am ish. One of our party was taken ill en route and we were held up quite a lot by yak trains. So the long day was getting even longer.

“We set out after lunch and the group got quite spread out and I walked on my own for about four hours, which I probably prefer. The deep gorge was the main problem as we had to descend almost to river level, cross the suspension bridge (the one with the massive drop below it) and then climb back up about 1,000 feet before dropping into our destination for the night. And that is effectively what I did, drop into it. It was a tough, tough day, walking for the best part of eight and a half hours, and tough inclines to boot.

“I was wary of my left ankle but protected it best I could by putting most pressure on my right foot, and using my pole to take the weight off my left foot. And it seemed to work well. I only rolled it once and had no reaction. On the inclines I was overtaken by a yak train on one occasion!! How embarrassing is that! Don't they know there's no overtaking allowed on single carriageways? Sorry, bad joke!

My room-mate remarked today how severe the drops were on some parts of the walk. I would guess at about 1,000 feet on occasions so you had to keep the right side of the yaks. If you went over the edge, then you could cancel your return flight!!! We were also warned there had been a rockfall a few minutes earlier near the suspension bridge, so were told to run past that section!!!!

“Lunchtime today was pretty idyllic. We all sat on the verandah of a place we had stayed at on the way up, in hot sunshine, looking straight at Everest. Snow clad mountains surrounding us. An amazing sight!

“There was a sense of elation and a few high fives as the group rolled in one by one. I think we all felt we were over the worst, despite having to trek two more days still. And we were all able to have a hot shower (although true to form, Neville's was either cold or scolding hot!!!), my first in ten days, and I had a shave!!!!

“Although I'm physically very weak now, those two things did make me start to feel a bit more human again. I just want to be home now. I've never spent this long away during a season and won't do it again, but I'm pleased with what I've achieved and hopefully will have a reasonable sum to give to the Foundation when everything is added in including promises (I've disappointed those who have pledged £x per metre!!!).

“So we have said goodbye to Everest for the last time today. We are all feeling exhausted but nevertheless satisfied with ourselves, but primarily we all want to get home now.”

Day 13: “Some of the youngsters had designs on a few drinks in town last night but they were soon expelled by fatigue! I had clean run out of money, wet wipes and energy drinks/food on arrival last night so it was fortunate we were in a place where I could replenish all of those yesterday.

“We were told we didn't need to start out until 9am today so everyone could recharge their batteries. I was coughing up all sorts of phlegm because of my Khumbu cough (you didn't want to know that really did you?!!!!). I slept well but was still awake at 6am as I had been so used to getting up early.

“I thought I'd get up and go downstairs to the restaurant and perhaps get a coffee or update my daily report. On the way down I met one of the Australian girls who was travelling alone. She was rooming with another Australian girl aged 22, the same age as my eldest daughter (and looks a bit like her too!!). Anyway, she is the youngest member of our party and has been causing some issues amongst the group.

“She came totally unprepared and had to buy all her equipment in Kathmandu, and has been pushing the boundaries with the guides by wandering off to meet other people at night rather than staying with the group. Last night she had been allowed to dine away from the main group but with an agreed curfew.

“The Australian girl I met on the stairs said she hadn't been able to sleep and her room mate had still not returned. So we went together to wake up the guides. I told the girl to go back to bed and that we'd sort it. In then walks her room-mate. She is read the riot act by the lead guide who insists she signs a release form, on the basis she has been given enough rope, but has now strangled herself with it.

“I then get involved to try to mediate. The outcome of this little saga is that she was asked to sign an undertaking that she would strictly comply with the guide's instructions hereon in or have to leave the group. She claimed she had got lost looking for our tea-house last night, but it turned out she had stayed just across the road.

“So, quite how I got involved in that saga I don't know, but I was backing the guides as they have a duty of care to us all, and at the end of the day we are all trying to work as a team. It all felt a bit like a scene from Big Brother! Oh, and I'm public enemy number one with the girl now!!! Such is life!

“We set out at 9am ish today and it was mainly downhill. I had no ailments apart from sore shoulders and lower back where I had surgery some years ago, no doubt due to the weight I had to carry for over eight hours yesterday. You can't avoid it really because you need clothes, sun cream, wipes etc, and most importantly water, and that isn't light.

“We crossed the dodgy suspension bridge again (apparently it's 200 metres above the river so I didn't hang about getting over it!!!), as it swung from side to side. I just look straight ahead and hold tight to the rail! We were also held up by a number of donkey trains, seemingly more common than yaks at this altitude. You silly ass!!! (Sorry that's an in joke for my family!).

“Our lunch was again in an idyllic spot in an alpine region with the river way below us and white mountain peaks rising above the forest. It was very warm in the sunshine too. We had passed many stray dogs, calves, cats and other random animals on the way, and as we sat down for dinner this lovely Black and Tan dog came into the garden where we were sitting.

“It came over to me, laid down on my left foot and promptly went to sleep. I love dogs and was desperate to make a fuss of it but you aren't allowed to. If you do apparently they will follow you for the rest of the day!!!! My children would have loved it so I got one of our party to photograph it asleep at my feet.

“After lunch we just ambled through the forest, saw some lovely plantation, played with some local children who had just finished school for the day, and generally just enjoyed the idyllic surroundings. You could say that Mr Neville was at one with nature today!!!

“Most of us were re-energised today as with every passing minute we are closer to going home. Tonight we are in the same tea house where I had my serious reservations about this trek, but I'm currently sitting in my ‘garden shed’ bedroom, with the window open to get a nice breeze, as I overlook the alpine valley below, and this time it's taken on a whole new complexion.

“Tonight I was elected by the group to give a speech tomorrow night at dinner in recognition of the contribution made by the guides and porters and give them their tips so I will need to prepare for that during the day. Last day of walking tomorrow, we are top of the League, and I'm home on Wednesday night. Life is good!”

Day 14: “Didn't sleep too well. Was thinking about my speech during the night in my head. Woke up absolutely soaked in sweat. Nothing wrong with me, just too hot I think!!! Such a change from my panicking and shivering last time I was here on the way up!!! My room mate and I had been remarking about how we had now adjusted to the cold, and that we'd be sweltering in our homes and our beds when we get home!

"Changing out of my soaked t shirt into yet another few layers of well used and smelly tops made my mind up to try to get a new shirt and trousers before I fly home. Just not fair on my fellow passengers on Qatar Airways otherwise.

"Sun rose at 6am and so did I. My speech was still in my head so I thought I would go into the communal area and write it out. Some of the guides were already up so I had a coffee and a few laughs with them! My cough now has an added wheeze to it, which is enjoyable, not!

"From the sounds during the night, through thin wooden walls, I know I'm not the only sufferer though! In fact any readers of my daily reports must think I'm some kind of hypochondriac always talking about my various ailments. It's not intentional, it's just that you do have to deal with and overcome a number of health issues to achieve this type of objective. Goodness knows what the real climbers have to contend with (they're real men unlike us pussies!).

"No hurry today, only about three to four hours trekking, so we set out for the last time at about 9ish. Everyone was buzzing today (or cooking on gas as Rach would put it!). We knew this was our last (small) challenge, and then we were done walking. Strangely enough, it was quite a tough three hours with some steep inclines, but everyone breezed up them now. We were heading home!!!

"My only issue (apart from my Khumbu cough) now is a clanking right knee. Just sounds as though it could do with some WD40!!! It's just the downward pressure of the last three days I think.

"My apologies if I've repeated myself at all in any of my reports (altitude and fatigue addle your brain), but I've been meaning to remark about the effects of the weather up here on your skin.

"You can see from the locals that the biting winds, the cold, but also the sunshine, leave your skin dark and leathery. I've noticed the same thing starting to happen to my hands and face. Says Neville the Sherpa!!!

"And talking about the locals, we have been asking the guides what future the current generation have. There is a view that they may see there is a big wide world out there, and not want to endure the harsh existence of their parents and grandparents.

"Alternatively, if they know of no other life, they may stay and continue to live and perpetuate in their local communities. Time will tell. Tough tough life though. I walked past one lad today who had a big basket full of something strapped to his back. On top of the basket were EIGHT full boxes of apples!!! Our guide said he'd be carrying 100kg+. Oh, and he was wearing flip flops!

"The other notable thing on our trekking is the number of girls in each group. In fact our party of 16 includes 9 females and 7 males. I'm sure I'll be reminded they are the stronger sex at some stage!!!

"The other thing some of us were debating on the way down today was mental strength, and exactly what it is. I know there have been a number of occasions on this trip when I wanted to turn back or go home (or both), and others said the same thing. It's something that I'd like to talk to Ken Way about.

"Clearly the lads seem to have it in abundance now, as evidenced by the matches against QPR, Leeds, Watford and Yeovil for example, when things were stacked against them, but they prevailed. We arrived back at Lukla at midday-ish, walking through the village gate, and there were plenty of whoops and high fives.

"Walking was over, but our journey was not! It was down with the walking poles, water back packs, walking boots, and thermals etc though. A celebratory lunch followed, and then a free afternoon. I tried to find some new clothes but this wasn't really the place. I'll have to wait until we get back to Kathmandu tomorrow.

"I did buy an Everest Base Camp cap though (yeah, I know, bit cheesy eh?). Most of us then walked to the airport (aka a 300 metre piece of tarmac!!!) to see where we'd be flying out from tomorrow. Doesn't take much imagination to see why it's deemed one of the worst, or THE worst airport in the world!!! To land you have to hit the runway at the far end. Too short and you hit the cliff, too long and you don't stop before the end wall. "Taking off you need to get to top speed very quickly or you will just drop off the end of the runway. We shall find out tomorrow anyway!

"One of the older Australian girls (who is my age, with her husband, and who has done fantastically well to do the whole trip as she was suffering badly (had to return on one afternoon by horseback!)), and I have really taken on the role of group reps!

"So this afternoon we began the task of sorting out tips for the guides and porters. The plan was for all 7 porters and 5 guides to join us for dinner tonight, for me to do my speech on behalf of the group, and then for us to give them their tips. I met with the lead guide this afternoon and he gave me some GUIDEance (sorry about that!) relative to the suggested levels we should each contribute. We were all set, envelopes at the ready, but weren't prepared for our other Australian friend to contribute.....nothing!!!!

"So Amanda and I had to go into a corner, while everyone else was eating, and recalculate each amount (with the aid of a calculator!). And so, I was a bit too nervous pre speech to eat, we began proceedings. I spoke for about a minute, then paused while the lead guide translated, and then I spoke again, and so on.

"And then all the guys came up and received their envelopes. After that, as the group had done a surplus clothing collection, the porters drew lots and each received items of clothing for which they were very grateful. It was a humbling night but one for which we were commended by the lead guide (he is the only guy going back to Kathmandu with us tomorrow so we will decide if and how to tip him tomorrow).

"I should point out that these 7 porters have been carrying the holdalls of all 16 of us every day. That's two each, and they are the most slightly built men (boys) you will see! We then managed to get a photo of all 16 of us and all the guides and porters. After which I asked for the details of the four guides we would be leaving behind tomorrow. Full names, family details, email addresses etc etc.

"And I made a mistake and probably embarrassed (unintentionally) one of them, who clearly didn't know how to spell his name or write. As I say, it was a humbling night.

"Some of the youngsters were all for a few sherbets after this, but grumpy Neville (unsociable sod, unlike other members of my family), just wanted a bit of quiet time to reflect, and get some sleep. It's a 5am start tomorrow to be ready for our flight (even though you don't know what time your flight will go - a bit pot luck!!!).

"So I was asleep by 9, in a BED!!!!! No sleeping bag, a proper bed!!! AND we had a sit on toilet which flushed, which you could put paper in. My and my roomie couldn't believe our luxury!!!!"

Day 15: “I knew it was an early start and was awake at 430am. Your mind plays tricks on you post event, and blanks out all the nasty bits. Lying in my cosy bed with blankets (although bizarrely enough I felt cold last night!!!), my thoughts turned to what I could do next. It's almost as though I feel some kind of masochistic need to see how far I can push myself, and if I can help others in the process then it makes it all worthwhile.

“IF.... I try anything like this again, then it will probably be a couple of years down the track, with better preparation and timing, and with family approval. So I think we'll park those thoughts for a while Neville!!!

“And so it's up at 5am, breakfast at 5.30am, then at 6am we WALK to the airport. That's a first I think, walking to the airport for a flight. Pandemonium in the departures area. Because it has such a bad reputation they try to do everything properly, but a lot of their procedures are flawed. By the way, we said goodbye to our four guides and all the porters at the airport entrance. I slipped a few rupees to the four guides. Not sure if that was the right or the wrong thing for either me or for them, but it's done now.

“So after going through "security" (a lady who kept talking to me and asking questions and laughing at my answers - didn't have a clue what she wanted to know from me!!!), we went downstairs to wait for Flight 4. 14 of us were on that, and two of the lads and the lead guide were on another flight.

“And then it started. One aircraft landed, then another, then another. Flight 1 was called, then Flight 2, and we watched on. Turnaround times!!!! Wow! Well, as soon as your flight arrives you are called. You walk onto the tarmac with your back to the wall. A guy with a whistle then directs proceedings. Starboard propeller keeps rotating, port propeller is turned off to avoid anybody walking into it! Passengers off, bags off, passengers on, bags on. We timed it. About seven minutes from landing to take off!!!

“And then they call Flight 4. Now I've watched all this, and I love airports, aircraft, travel, flying, the whole shooting match, but I have to confess I was a wee bit edgy as I walked to the aircraft and climbed in. After sitting down we noticed there were three spare seats, all on the left hand side.

“The configuration is one seat left of aisle and two seats to the right. Three left seats were empty. I suggested to the crew that perhaps I should sit on the left to balance the aircraft more. They didn't seem bothered but the group thought it was a good idea, so I moved as we taxied out.

“A quick rotation at the top of the runway to head us downwards, then it's full power on and we are going for it. We all know there are no margins and so there were a few screams, then cheers where we were airborne. I kept my "man face" on, but was mightily relieved under that false exterior.

"Apart from the cabin being uncomfortably hot, the rest of the flight until landing was event free. We watched as the big white peaks drifted into the distance and it was a good flight with great views of the Himalayas and ground below, and then of Kathmandu on our approach.

“There's nothing like flying on a clear day in calm conditions for me (as long as you have a window seat!), when you can just sit and enjoy the view. For some reason we did a sharp 90 degree turn just before landing which raised anxiety levels a notch, but then we were on the ground. Phew!

“Nine of the group went off to Kathmandu Guest Lounge in one minibus, and the other five of us waited for the two lads and our lead guide, for five minutes, then ten, twenty, thirty, after which concerns were raised. Then finally they showed. Their flight from Lukla had been held apparently, as they were waiting for a plane to land before they could take off. And that plane had missed it's approach and had to abort!!! Then, they circled Kathmandu five times before coming in to land. Things were getting very tense on that flight we were told. Seems I was lucky to be on Flight 4!!!

“So our minibus leaves the airport and takes us back to the Guest House. Kathmandu is mad! Cars and scooters weaving in and out of tight streets hooting all the time. People everywhere. Wires all over the place - an H and S nightmare for Kev!!! You could certainly say the place is alive though!

“We had to drive round a cow that was wandering down the main high street all on its own before we arrived back! Our room was luxury in comparison with its predecessors, and the Guest House itself is a bit of an oasis in the desert. Priority one - find the bag I put in left luggage. Easy. No!!!!

“The porter doesn't go and get it for you. You are shown a room jam packed with bags you have to clamber over, and look for your own!!! Par for the course - no bag for Neville. Eventually found in an entirely different room!!!

“Priority two - the Neville stomach. Appetite fully returned, stomach empty, Chris (room mate) knows a breakfast place which is much cheaper than the Guest House, so it's on we go. FULL breakfast!!! Magnif!!!

“Feeling a bit more human now. Priority three - clean clothes and presents. Off I wander down the streets on Kathmandu. Dilemma - I'm shopping for cheap clothes to travel in, and presents for the family, and who do I need with me to pick these clothes and presents, and haggle the prices? Gail and my children!!! I just do my best. I get some clothes - all from the same shop to save time (you'd think I got dressed in the dark if you saw them!!!) and then (probably too many) presents. Fully loaded with bags, it's back to the Guest House, and a HOT SHOWER!!!

“Into the new clothes and off again into town to Dreams Garden, a place for quiet and mediation. Nice! Next problem - it's now really hot and humid here (many locals wear masks because of the dust) and I really need flip flops not trainers (my boots are long since wrapped in many layers of plastic bags!!!).

“I finally manage to get some off a street trader who saw me coming!!! Wanted 15,000 rupees. I told him 3,000 take it or leave it. He took it! Next it was work time so I dipped into the Business Centre to sort my flight check in and catch up with Rach. After which I wandered down the Guest House corridor past all the guest services and saw  hairdressers. Hair cut 250 rupees - less than £2!!!! Yes please!

“And so it began, electric razor first, then a head massage. I'm liking this! Then the scissors came out, then a cut-throat razor!!! I'm now checking the floor and that this guy's first name isn't Sweeney before I sit bolt upright and motionless while he uses this razor!!!!

“And then it's back to the head massaging and neck too. By now I'm thinking this is my best hair cut ever!!!!! He finds all sorts of knots in my neck and shoulders and, to cut a long story short (notwithstanding the fact this is already a long story) I paid him more to fully massage my head, neck and shoulders. Apparently it's not unusual (Tom Jones?!!!) for you to have upper body problems post trek due to the weight you have been carrying.

“So I've now got an American GI hair cut, been unknotted, been re-clothed, presents in the bag. Think I'm good to go!

“Back to the Business Centre. Wigan game tonight! And finally it was the "last supper" with our lead guide last night. One of our party (Amy) can only eat gluten free food so the choice of restaurant was changed at the last minute.

“It was one where you take your shoes off and sit on cushions on the floor. A nice night but I was concerned about what I ate in there and a little uncomfortable too. It was also built for the Nepalese as I had to fold myself in two to move about inside!!!! And to cap it all they didn't have any food suitable for Amy! We said a few goodbyes and exchanged personal details.

“We would see our lead guide for the last time tomorrow. NB He had given us a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card before we left for the restaurant. It's a form of certification for what you've done. Base Camp has no sign, so this is possibly the only form of documentary evidence of you reaching it.

“One or two of us wandered the streets then to try to find something for Amy to eat, and somebody finally found some gluten free biscuits which was the best we could do.

“Just checked the team for tonight (a few changes - Vards obviously injured), promises of score flashes during the night from Jordan, then bed about 10pm. Home day tomorrow!!!”

Day 16:“And so, FINALLY, it's time to go home. I went to bed at 10ish although I knew Jordan would be waking me with score updates during the night. As it happens, Rach, Harley Staples' Dad Jamie, AND Jordan kept me up to date. One down, one all, two one down, two all.

“Yet another good result, and testament to the squad with a number of changes to the starting eleven. After that I slept well, although I still have the cough and my nose is still full of blood and gunge. I guess that will disappear over time.

“Chris (my room mate) was visiting another part of Nepal for a few days and was up before 6. We said our goodbyes and then he left. I had packing and daily updates to complete so I got up after he left.

“Crammed as much as I could in my holdall (all the stinky things in plastic bags), and presents and essentials in my back pack. Took the holdall down to reception where Amy and Lauren were sitting. So we all went to our little breakfast haunt at 8. I had my fill as normal, and there was plenty of gluten free stuff for Amy too. Lauren doesn't seem to deem me public enemy number one any more, not that it would be of any concern to me anyway.

“With our stomachs full we returned to say goodbye to our lead guide Jimmy and board our pre booked taxi. Ummmm - no Jimmy, no taxi!!! I was saddened by that as I wanted to thank him, drop him a little cash, and say goodbye.

“Another member of the company who organised our trip got us a car when I told him of our predicament. I say "our" as Amy was flying to Singapore at about the same time as I was flying to Doha so we shared a taxi. Amy was a bit like me on the trek inasmuch as she kept herself to herself and just wanted some private time to concentrate on the challenge.

“The car was barely big enough for all our bags and us two but we squeezed everything in. And it was a good job we left when we did because the roads were even more mad than normal. It took us an age to get to the airport as there were literally hundreds of cars, scooters, people and animals on the roads.

“We had many near misses as we weaved in and out of the jams. And then we were there. N.B. Last night I had overheard Amy talking about her father. I said I didn't want to pry but if she was prepared to talk about it, what was the issue?

“She opened up and said her mother had left her father two weeks before this trip! Not before time apparently, and he was a depressive. She also said that she had appendicitis about three months ago, but neither her father or sister were prepared to drive her to the hospital.

“Despite her being I'm pain they said if she could drive to the GP why couldn't she drive herself to the hospital!!!! I know I'm the opposite and do too much for my children, but I couldn't help thinking how lucky I am the more I listened to her. I was just pleased she was flying off to meet her mum in Singapore for a few days so they could discuss their domestic situation and what should be done.

“Her father has remained in the marital home. Well the organisation at the airport was typically Nepalese, and I think Amy and I were happy to have each other there to negotiate the various stages (especially me when I left my money belt in the scanner!!!).

“We got through to the gates in good time in the end, after spending our remaining rupees on a few family gifts and refreshments. We said goodbye when my flight was called and it would be nice if we all kept in touch. I felt so sorry for her and hope she and her mum are able to sort things out. When the bus came to take us to our aircraft I expected to have to hand my boarding ticket to the attendant as I walked through the exit door. No!!! Just one big rush for the bus. Oh well, I'll just jump on too!!! I took my window seat, up front with plenty of leg room, and watched as people were wandering about beside the runway, and one or two cars driving beside it.

“Heathrow this is not. A good flight, nice views of Kathmandu as we took off, and we were in Doha about five hours later. I slept a bit, and then watched American Hustle? (five out of ten). I had little time for my connection at Doha and by the time I got off the bus it was last call for the Heathrow flight.

“As we drew up beside the plane I realised this was a really "big bird"! A340-600. I sat midway this time again by the window. The lady beside me found another seat so that left it spare. Happy days!!! Apart from the guy in front reclining his seat so far he's virtually in my bleedin’ lap!!! I'm over wing and was curious as we took off how much it flexed.

“As we climbed the cabin crew were then told to sit down for turbulence. All I need!!! I continued to watch the wing. It was flapping up and down like a piece of rubber!!!

“So I thought that wasn't a good pastime for me and put Philomena on instead (eight out of ten). And so, that's about it. It seems ages ago that I was waiting for my train on the station platform at Peterborough with my heavily overweight holdall. I've travelled all the way to Nepal, and walked over 100 kilometres on difficult terrain to reach Everest Base Camp, and my fund is still increasing.

“I hope I won't be far off my £10,000 target in the end. Football has been my passion from the age of 8, but following close by is my passion for travel. It's a big wide world out there and I want to see as much of it as I can, while I still can.

“Thank you to everyone who has assisted me with this challenge, those who have sponsored me, and those who have taken the trouble to read my daily drivel.

“This is Andrew Neville, going back to the day job, and hopefully up to the Premier League, signing off. Namaste!!!

“PS. On arrival home I find I have shed a stone in just over two weeks. Time for Gary and Gail to feed me up eh!!!!!”

The five causes that are being supported this season are:

Breast Cancer Care 

Lord Mayor’s Appeal: Macmillan Cancer Support 

Samaritans 

The Laura Centre 

LCFC Defibrillator Appeal 

To sponsor Andrew, and help make a positive difference to the work these charities are able to do, either log onto or text‘LCFC70’plus the amount (£amount) to 70070. 

The LCFC Foxes Foundation has seen some incredible money-raising feats in recent times, including marathons in London, Paris and Bangkok, sky diving, sponsored cycle trips to away games and numerous attempts at the Three Peaks Challenge. 

And of course to cap last season’s fundraising, our ‘Platinum Fundraiser’ and Club Ambassador, Alan ‘The Birch’ Birchenall completed his 33rd Annual End of Season Run at King Power Stadium.

Events will continue to be hosted throughout the season, and if you’ve got a fundraising idea like Andrew’s, then the LCFC Foxes Foundation would love to hear from you. 

Simply email  with your idea to start the ball rolling.