Jacquie’s challenge of a lifetime to scale Everest with friend

Mum of two is getting in training with help of her two dogs

A mum of two who embarked on a new fitness regime to get in shape for her son’s wedding has now set herself another challenge – to climb Mount Everest.

Jacquie Cotterill, 60, from Crowle, North Lincolnshire, started on her fitness journey earlier this year to make sure she looks her best for when her youngest son Jed ties the knot later this year.

But when her friend Tracy Hampson, Operations Director for the learning disability charity Hft, told her she had signed up to take on the world’s biggest peak, Mount Everest, Jacquie jumped at the chance to join her.

Jacquie and Tracy will be joined on the trek by Hft Head of Care and Support for the East region, Ian Earey. Together they have set themselves the challenge of raising £15,000 for the charity which supports learning disabled adults across the UK.

“I’ve never done anything like it before,” said Jacquie. “I had already begun my fitness journey, but when Tracy told me she’s signed up I said I would join her.

“It’s a great opportunity to experience a challenge of a lifetime as well as raising money for a charity which does such valuable work to support learning disabled people.”

Over the past few months Jacquie has been ramping up her exercise regime, cycling, enjoying weighted hula and taking part in personal trainer sessions twice a week.

“I sprang into action when Jed said he was getting married this year – I didn’t want to be wobbling in my outfit,” laughed Jacquie.

Jacquie, a patient safety specialist, and Tracy first met when they worked together in 1998 and have been firm friends ever since.

Jacquie has also been busy training to climb the 5,364 metres up to Mount Everest’s base camp by going on long hikes.

“I’ve bought myself a tent and booked a camp and hike to get me used to what is coming,” she said.

“And I am planning to take on the Three Peaks too.”

Jacquie will sometimes be accompanied on her training by her dogs,  13-year-old Polly the pug and Mavis – a cross between a Great Dane and a Mastiff.

“I have no real concept of what the trek up Everest will be like,” said Jacquie.

“But I’ve got one of my best friends doing it with me.

“It’s going to be a real adventure and I will be glad when we’ve made it to the top.”

Jacquie will be celebrating her 61st birthday while on the challenge.

“I’m sure we will be having a glass of something to celebrate my birthday and completing the challenge,” she said.

“At the same time as nursing blisters and our aching bones.”

The challenge – led by experienced guides –  will see the trio start their epic journey in Kathmandu.

Their trip will see them traverse spectacular gorges, hike across suspension bridges and past majestic peaks.

Hft Community Fundraising Manager Emma Macdonald said: “We’re delighted that Ian, Tracy and Jacquie will be walking in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain as they trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp.

“We can’t thank them enough for all their efforts which will make a huge difference to the lives of learning disabled adults.”

Anyone who wants to support Jacquie’s challenge can donate at www.justgiving.com/page/teamhfteverestbasecampchallenge.