Events
Susie King: Climbing Everest, One Step at a Time
Hearing the words “you have a brain tumour” felt as though I were observing the moment from outside my own body, like a scene in a film. I remember my arms shaking uncontrollably, but the reality didn’t fully hit me until I left the room and could finally process what I had been told. At a follow-up appointment, I learned that the tumour was inoperable due to its location in the brainstem – an area responsible for essential life functions.
I am raising funds for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign (BTRC), founded by Kevin O’Neill and Wendy Fulcher. Together, we are working to develop the world’s first dedicated Adult Brainstem and Deep Brain Lesion Programme – an initiative focused on transforming some of the most complex and challenging tumours into treatable conditions.
To support this work and maintain my focus throughout the year ahead, I have set myself a personal challenge.
Over the next 12 months, alongside my chemotherapy treatment, I will attempt a virtual climb of Mount Everest.
This means climbing the equivalent height of Everest – one floor at a time. In total, that’s nearly 3,000 floors of stairs. I will be tracking my progress using my Apple Watch, counting floors climbed daily, as well as recording elevation gained during walks in the Mendip Hills and sessions on the stepper at my local gym. Each floor represents approximately three metres of vertical ascent.
It is a challenge that would be demanding under any circumstances – but one that feels especially meaningful now.
I’d love your support. If you can, please donate or share my JustGiving page, it would mean a lot and really help make a difference. Thank you!
